New Delhi, June 9, 2025, Virthtli: In a key development aimed at reviving the peace process in strife-torn Manipur, the Government of India held the first formal round of talks with representatives of the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement on Monday. The meeting, held in New Delhi, however, ended without any concrete resolution on the extension of the SoO pact, with both sides agreeing to reconvene next week.
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Chaired by A.K. Mishra, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Northeast Affairs, the meeting marked the first high-level engagement in over two years between the Centre and leaders of the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) umbrella bodies representing 25 Kuki-Zomi-Hmar insurgent groups.
While the focus of the meeting was on the potential extension of the SoO agreement last extended until February 29, 2024, the MHA delegation reportedly raised concerns over repeated violations of the agreement’s ground rules by Kuki-Zomi-Hmar cadres. Officials cited instances of extortion, illegal movement of armed cadres, and alleged involvement in the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.
Despite these concerns, officials described the meeting as “constructive” and confirmed that a follow-up round would take place next week.
A Pact in Limbo
The SoO agreement, signed in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo-Hmar armed groups, aimed to end hostilities and initiate political dialogue. Under the pact, around 2,200 cadres are housed in designated camps and are required to deposit their arms and refrain from militant activity. In return, the government provides a monthly stipend and refrains from offensive operations against compliant groups.
However, the framework has come under increasing strain since May 3, 2023, when ethnic violence erupted in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities. Over 250 people have died, and more than 60,000 remain displaced. The Manipur government formally withdrew from the agreement in February 2024, citing grave violations by SoO groups and their alleged role in instigating the violence.
Civil society organisations, particularly from the Meitei community, have demanded the abrogation of the SoO pact. Groups like the Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) accuse Kuki-Zo insurgents of kidnappings, killings, and attacks on security forces, claims the SoO groups strongly deny.
Kuki-Zomi-Hmar Groups Emphasize Political Dialogue
During Monday’s meeting, the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar delegation, led by UPF spokesperson Aaron Kipgen and KNO spokesperson Dr. Seilen Haokip, reiterated their long-standing demand for a separate administration or Union Territory. They argued that political solutions must take precedence over operational or tactical measures.
Sources say the delegation also raised security concerns over the presence of Meitei insurgent camps in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, and insisted that peace cannot return unless these camps are dismantled.
The group also voiced grievances over pending stipends, which have not been disbursed since the agreement lapsed, creating financial hardship for cadres.
No Decisions Yet, But Dialogue Continues
While no final decisions were made, the MHA reportedly emphasized the importance of peace, surrender of arms, and restoring normalcy - particularly reopening of national highways and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
A senior MHA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “There is a willingness to continue talks, but the situation on the ground remains volatile. Until violations stop, it will be difficult to move forward meaningfully.”
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Observers say the upcoming second round of talks will be crucial. A formal extension of the SoO agreement could help stabilize the region and allow for structured political dialogue. Without it, there are fears the fragile ceasefire could collapse completely, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Outlook
The Centre’s renewed engagement with Kuki-Zo groups under President’s Rule in Manipur signals a tentative attempt to resolve a complex conflict. However, deep ethnic divisions, lack of trust, and unresolved political demands continue to pose significant challenges. The path forward will likely require not just security assurances but a comprehensive political roadmap acceptable to all stakeholders in Manipur.
