Centre and Manipur government ink peace pact with Kuki-Zo groups
The Centre on Thursday signed a renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government of Manipur and representatives of Kuki-Zo community, aimed at reducing tensions in the strife-torn state.
The deal lays down new ground rules aimed at restoring peace, securing highways, and tightening oversight of militant groups.
Under the revised peace deal, all parties have pledged to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and keep National Highway-2 open for free passage. This highway is a vital lifeline for the landlocked state.
The agreement also tightens security measures around armed groups: camps will be reduced in number, weapons moved to Central Armed Police Force facilities such as CRPF and BSF bases, and militant rosters verified to ensure no foreign nationals are included.
To ensure the agreements are being met, a Joint Monitoring Group will track compliance, with strict action promised against violations.
The pact comes two years after violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, following protests by Kuki-Zo tribes against a court recommendation to extend Scheduled Tribe status to the majority Meitei community.
The unrest spiralled into ethnic clashes between the valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kukis, leaving more than 260 people dead and displacing thousands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Manipur and Mizoram on September 13. However, no itinerary has been confirmed as of yet.