Churachandpur, September 7 (Virthli): A recent press statement from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) has raised concerns over the official narrative surrounding the newly renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. The groups have accused the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of misrepresenting key terms of the signed accord, which they claim has caused "immense confusion" and "seriously upset" community sentiments.
The tripartite agreement, signed on September 4, 2025, at New Delhi, extended the SoO for one year. According to the KNO and UPF's statement, the official text explicitly states that the pact "shall be followed by tripartite dialogue with KNO and UPF to pave the way for a negotiated political settlement under the Constitution of India in a time bound manner."
However, the KNO and UPF assert that the PIB’s publication put a different "spin" on the agreement, stating: "Among other provisions, the revised ground rules reiterated: Need for a negotiated solution to bring peace and stability to the state of Manipur." The Kuki-Zo groups claim this phrasing does not appear in the signed document.
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The statement highlights that this alleged "aberration" by the PIB has come at a sensitive time, as the SoO agreement was already delayed due to a diktat from a Meitei militant organization, and ahead of a much-anticipated visit by the Prime Minister to Lamka (Churachandpur District) on September 13.
The press statement also provides historical context, noting a shift in their political demands. Prior to the ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023, the groups' demand was for a Territorial Council. Following the violence, this was revised to a demand for a Union Territory with a Legislature, which was officially submitted in a meeting on September 1, 2023. According to the KNO and UPF, future talks will now focus on this specific demand.
