The Indigenous Peoples Forum, Manipur (IPFM), has raised serious concerns over what it describes as continued violations of the constitutional and fundamental rights of indigenous communities in Manipur. In a press statement issued on January 14, the Forum blamed the ongoing situation on the impunity enjoyed by armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement.
According to IPFM, the recent incident involving the Liangmai indigenous community of Ireng Naga Village, also known as Puilong, in Kangpokpi district highlights the gravity of the issue. The Forum alleged that armed cadres linked to the Kuki National Front (KNF), operating under the United People’s Front (UPF), vandalised public property and village memorials. Slogans such as “Kukiland” and “Stay Away” were reportedly painted, which the Forum said created fear and tension among villagers. IPFM also claimed that threats were issued, including warnings of burning down the village and using firearms against unarmed civilians.
The Forum stated that such acts amount to open violations of the SoO ground rules and described them as criminal intimidation against indigenous people. It said the agreement, which was meant to reduce violence and support political dialogue, has instead failed to protect local communities. IPFM argued that the rights to life, dignity, security, property and peaceful enjoyment of ancestral land are being steadily weakened. 
IPFM questioned why both the Manipur government and the central government have not taken strong action despite repeated reports of SoO violations. It recalled that an earlier elected government had cancelled the SoO agreement due to repeated breaches, but the present government chose to reinstate it under revised terms.
