New Agreement Aims to Restore Peace in Manipur Amid Ethnic Tensions

A new agreement has been signed between the Centre and Manipur governments with Kuki-Zo groups, focusing on maintaining territorial integrity and relocating militant camps. This tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement aims to foster lasting peace and stability in Manipur, which has been affected by ethnic tensions. The agreement includes commitments from the Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front to renounce violence and respect the Constitution. The renewal of this agreement is seen as a crucial step towards restoring order in the region, with future structured talks planned for a political resolution. Prime Minister Modi's potential visit to Manipur could further signify the Centre's outreach to the tribal community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2025, 15:15 IST

Fresh Agreement Signed for Peace in Manipur

New Delhi, Sep 4: The central and Manipur state governments have entered into a new agreement with Kuki-Zo groups, which was finalized on Thursday. This agreement emphasizes the importance of maintaining Manipur's territorial integrity, ensuring free movement along National Highway-2, and relocating militant camps.

This tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement has revised its foundational rules.

All parties involved have acknowledged the necessity for a negotiated resolution to achieve lasting peace and stability in Manipur. They have agreed to decrease the number of designated camps, relocate weapons to the nearest CRPF/BSF camps, and implement strict verification of militant personnel by security forces to identify any foreign nationals.

A Joint Monitoring Group will oversee the adherence to these rules, with any violations facing strict consequences, including a review of the SoO agreement, as stated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Under the new framework, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) have committed to renouncing violence, respecting the Constitution, and maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur. These groups are prohibited from engaging with other armed factions and from conducting offensive actions such as ambushes, kidnappings, extortion, or intimidation.

In exchange, security forces—including the Army, Assam Rifles, central paramilitary units, and state police—will refrain from operations against these groups as long as they comply with the agreement.

Officials indicated that the extension of the SoO will be followed by structured tripartite discussions aimed at achieving a negotiated political resolution within the constitutional framework of India in a timely manner.

The renewal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement is viewed as a crucial step towards restoring peace in Manipur, a region still grappling with ethnic strife.

The SoO agreement, which requires annual renewal, had expired in February 2024 due to violent confrontations between the Meitei and Kuki groups, leaving the state without the intended ceasefire framework.

This tripartite agreement, originally signed on August 22, 2008, involved the Centre, the Manipur government, and representatives from insurgent groups, including the KNO and UPF.

These groups collectively represent 25 armed factions, including the Kuki-Zo, Zomi, and Hmar communities. The agreement was established to cease hostilities and facilitate political dialogue, addressing the groups' long-standing demands for a separate homeland.

In recent months, the Home Ministry has conducted several meetings with SoO stakeholders to resolve disputes regarding the agreement's ground rules, which will be renewed alongside the extension.

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Manipur, marking his first trip since the clashes began in May 2023, the extension of the SoO pact is likely to be seen as a significant outreach gesture by the Centre towards the tribal Kuki-Zo community.