India’s Union government and the State of Manipur have renewed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo militant groups, following more than two years of ethnic violence in the northeastern state.
The SoO, first signed in 2008 with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), prevents both security forces and militants from launching operations and requires militant groups to remain in designated areas. Under the latest agreement, Kuki-Zo groups, who have clashed with the Meitei majority since May 2023, pledged to uphold Manipur’s territorial integrity and reopen National Highway-2, which had been blocked due to fighting.
The agreement also includes relocating seven designated camps away from conflict areas, securing weapons, and verifying militant members to address concerns over foreign involvement. Since May 2023, clashes between ethnic Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities have caused at least 260 deaths and displaced around 60,000 people.
Kuki groups have long sought a separate administration for their community, a proposal strongly opposed by the Meitei population. The Indian government, which imposed direct rule after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, has not officially responded to the demand.
As per reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Manipur next week, his first since communal violence broke out. His itinerary may include the state capital, Imphal, and Churachandpur, one of the districts most affected by the conflict. Local authorities have suspended leave for police personnel to ensure security during the visit.
The formation of a stable state government remains uncertain. Divisions within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a rebellion by ten Kuki lawmakers complicate efforts, with some party members calling for fresh elections rather than the appointment of a new chief minister.
Observers note that while the SoO renewal is a step towards stabilising the region, deep communal divisions and thousands of displaced persons mean that achieving lasting peace and governance in Manipur remains a significant challenge.
Adapted from reporting by AsiaNews.
