Manipur violence: Breakthrough as Kuki-Zo groups sign peace pact ahead of PM Modi’s likely visit
New Delhi: Two key Kuki-Zo groups on Thursday signed a suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with the government on re-negotiated terms, agreeing to maintain Manipur’s territorial integrity, shift designated camps from vulnerable areas, and work towards lasting peace.
The pact with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) is expected to aid ongoing peace efforts in Manipur, officials said. The agreement comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely first visit to the state since ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023.
Talks held in Delhi
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the agreement followed several rounds of talks in New Delhi over recent days. “A tripartite meeting among representatives of MHA, government of Manipur and KNO and UPF was held at New Delhi today. The meeting concluded with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations 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 MHA said in a statement.
The pact includes provisions to maintain Manipur’s territorial integrity, reduce and relocate designated camps, and deposit weapons at nearby CRPF and BSF camps. Security forces will carry out strict physical verification of cadres to de-list any foreign nationals.
Camps to be moved, arms secured
Seven designated camps will be shifted from conflict-prone zones, addressing a long-standing demand from Meitei groups who alleged that attacks had been staged from these camps. A joint monitoring group will oversee enforcement, with violations potentially leading to a review of the pact.
The KNO, with 16 constituents, and UPF, with seven constituents, agreed not to engage in any armed activity including ambush, raids, kidnapping, or extortion. They pledged to abjure violence and abide by the Constitution and laws of India. Security forces, in turn, will not act against them as long as they adhere to the agreement.
Civil society group opens highway
Separately, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) announced that National Highway-02 will be opened for free movement of people and essential goods. “The Kuki-Zo Council has decided to open the National Highway-02 for the free movement of commuters and essential goods. The KZC has given commitment to cooperate with security forces deployed by government of India to maintain peace along NH-02,” the MHA statement said.
Path to political settlement
Officials confirmed that the agreement will pave the way for structured dialogue towards a negotiated political settlement under the Constitution in a time-bound manner. The pact forbids KNO and UPF from associating with any armed groups inside or outside India.
Violence since 2023
Manipur has been in turmoil since May 3, 2023, when a tribal solidarity march opposing the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status triggered ethnic clashes. Over 260 people, including Kukis, Meiteis and security personnel, have died.
Relative calm has returned in recent months, but the state remains under President’s rule since February 13, after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The assembly stands under suspended animation. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has since taken steps to restore order, including calls to return looted arms.
The SoO pact was first signed in 2008 and had been periodically renewed, but it lapsed in February 2024 amid continuing unrest.