Manipur Government Extends Suspension of Operations with Kuki Militants for One More Year
In a major step towards peace in Manipur, the state government has decided to extend the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups for another year. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel announced this on Friday during a visit to Imphal, highlighting the government’s focus on restoring peace and normalcy in the region.
The renewed agreement, signed recently in New Delhi between the Centre, the Manipur government, and Kuki armed groups, will be fully implemented. This includes following all the provisions laid out in the tripartite pact, which aims to bring stability to Manipur’s sensitive border areas.
One of the key points of the agreement is reopening the vital Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), a crucial route that connects different parts of the state. The government has assured that the signed terms will be carried out diligently to improve connectivity and transportation.
The agreement also addresses the demand by the Kuki Zo Council for strict enforcement of buffer zones between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Manipur’s Chief Secretary confirmed that the government remains committed to respecting and enforcing every clause of the deal to maintain peace along these sensitive areas.
After discussions involving officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Manipur government, and leaders of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), the SoO has been extended for another year. The Kuki organizations have also agreed to cooperate with security forces to ensure peace along NH-2.
As part of the renewed agreement, Kuki-Zo groups have committed to relocating seven designated camps away from conflict-prone areas. They will also cut down the number of camps, move weapons to nearby CRPF and BSF bases, and verify their personnel to identify any foreign nationals involved.
A new Joint Monitoring Group will keep a close watch on the ground rules, ensuring strict enforcement and quick action in case of violations. The agreement emphasizes India’s commitment to respecting Manipur’s territorial integrity and working out a lasting peace solution.
The KNO and UPF, which include around 24 underground outfits, had signed a previous SoO with the government on August 22, 2008. Currently, over 2,200 militants are housed in designated camps across Manipur’s hill districts.
However, not everyone supports the agreement. The majority Meitei community has voiced strong opposition to extending the SoO with Kuki militants, citing concerns over security and territorial issues.
This renewed peace effort is an important step towards stability in Manipur, but it also highlights ongoing challenges in balancing diverse community interests. The government has promised to monitor the implementation closely and take firm action against any violations to ensure lasting peace in the region.
