Manipur Peace Talks Yield Suspension of Operations Agreement with Kuki-Zo Groups
A newly signed tripartite agreement offers a potential pathway to de-escalate the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, with commitments to maintain territorial integrity and restore vital supply lines.
New Delhi – A significant step toward peace in Manipur was taken on Monday with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur government, and representatives of Kuki-Zo groups. The agreement, reached after weeks of negotiations, aims to quell the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, and has since resulted in widespread displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The core of the agreement centers on several key commitments. Central to these is a mutual understanding to uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur. Furthermore, all parties have agreed to the immediate reopening of National Highway-2 (NH-2), a critical artery connecting Manipur to Nagaland and the broader Northeast region. The highway’s closure has severely hampered the delivery of essential supplies and exacerbated the suffering of civilians. A key component also involves the relocation of militant camps to reduce tensions and foster a more secure environment.
NH-2’s blockage since May 2023 has been a major contributing factor to the escalating crisis. The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has led to extensive violence, tragic loss of life, and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. “The situation on the ground has been incredibly challenging, and this agreement represents a crucial first step towards restoring normalcy,” stated a senior official involved in the negotiations.
Beyond the immediate measures, the three sides emphasized the urgent need for a negotiated solution to address the root causes of the conflict and establish lasting peace and stability. Specific commitments include a reduction in the number of designated militant camps, the relocation of weapons to nearby camps of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) for secure storage, and rigorous physical verification of all militant cadres by security forces. This verification process will specifically aim to identify and potentially deport any foreign nationals involved.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Manipur on September 12 or 13, marking his first trip to the state since the outbreak of violence. This visit underscores the central government’s commitment to addressing the crisis and supporting the peace process.
Authorities are viewing the reopening of NH-2 as a vital confidence-building measure and a tangible step toward restoring essential services. Officials in both Imphal and New Delhi believe that improved access to essential commodities will significantly alleviate the burden on displaced families and those residing in relief camps.
The agreement, formalized through a re-negotiated set of ground rules, will remain in effect for one year. “The meeting concluded with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement on re-negotiated terms and conditions (ground rules) to be effective from the day of signing of the Agreement for a period of one year,” the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed in a statement.
The revised ground rules explicitly reaffirm two fundamental principles: the territorial integrity of Manipur and the necessity of a negotiated solution for lasting peace. The Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front have specifically agreed to relocate seven designated camps away from conflict-prone areas.
A joint monitoring group will be established to ensure strict adherence to the agreed-upon ground rules. The ministry has warned that any violations will be met with firm action, potentially including a review of the SoO agreement itself.
