In a significant move towards restoring normalcy in conflict-hit Manipur, the Central Government, the Manipur state administration, and Kuki-Zo groups signed a revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in New Delhi. The agreement includes re-negotiated ground rules and reaffirms Manipur’s territorial integrity.

This development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to the state on September 12 or 13, his first since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.

NH-2 Reopened for Free Movement

A key provision of the agreement is the reopening of National Highway-2 (NH-2), a critical lifeline connecting Manipur with Nagaland and other parts of the Northeast. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has committed to allowing free movement of people and essential supplies along the route, which had been blocked amid ethnic tensions since May last year.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that the KZC has pledged full cooperation with security forces to maintain peace along NH-2.

“Kuki-Zo Council has given a commitment to cooperate with security forces deployed by the Government of India to maintain peace along NH-2,” MHA said in a statement.

“The meeting concluded with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement on re-negotiated terms and conditions (ground rules) to be effective from the day of signing of the Agreement for a period of one year,” the MHA mentioned.

The MHA also said, “Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front have also agreed to relocate seven designated camps away from areas vulnerable to conflict, reduce the number of designated camps, relocate the weapons with nearest Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) camps, and stringent physical verification of cadres by Security Forces to de-list foreign nationals, if any.”

Revised Ground Rules and Security Measures

The agreement also introduces new security protocols. Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) have agreed to:

1. Relocate seven designated camps from conflict-prone zones

2. Reduce the overall number of camps

3. Shift weapons to the nearest CRPF or BSF camps

4. Allow stringent physical verification of their cadres to identify and remove foreign nationals, if any

5. A Joint Monitoring Group will oversee enforcement of these terms, with any violations potentially leading to a review of the agreement.

6. Efforts Towards Lasting Peace and Stability

The revised SoO agreement is valid for one year from the date of signing and reiterates two key principles: the territorial integrity of Manipur and the importance of a negotiated political solution to bring lasting peace.

Officials in Imphal and New Delhi believe reopening the highway and ensuring cooperation from armed groups are crucial steps toward rebuilding trust and easing the burden on displaced civilians living in relief camps.

Since the violence erupted in May 2023, nearly 260 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced. However, the region has seen relative calm in recent months, creating a window of opportunity for this peace-building initiative.

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