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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Imphal and Churachandpur is expected around September 13
The SoO was first signed in August 2008 by the Centre, the Manipur government, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and the United People’s Front (UPF), which together represented 25 insurgent groups comprising Kuki-Zo, Zomi, and Hmars. Representational pic/PTI
In a significant step towards building confidence in Manipur, the state administration has signed the Suspension of Operation Agreement (SoO) with the Kuki Zo groups. The tripartite agreement, which had been in limbo since 2024 after the Manipur government withdrew from it, has now been revived.
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The Kuki Zo groups have also assured the central government of their support in reopening National Highway 2.
These measures are being seen as a substantial boost to the central government’s efforts to bring peace ahead of the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to Imphal and Churachandpur around September 13.
NH2, considered a lifeline for the people of Manipur, has been blocked since the conflict began in May 2023. Home Minister Amit Shah had given a one-week deadline in March for obstructing groups to allow free movement on Manipur’s national highways. While some movement of essential goods occurred, NH2 remained largely closed.
On Thursday, the central government announced that Kuki Zo groups have agreed to cooperate for free movement on this highway.
The bigger confidence-building measure, however, was the Kuki groups reaffirming their commitment to peace and the territorial integrity of Manipur.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday said that as part of the SoO agreement, Kuki groups have reaffirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity of Manipur. This is a significant breakthrough since Kuki groups have been demanding Union Territory status for the hill areas ever since the violence began.
The MHA statement said, “A tripartite meeting among representatives of MHA, Government of Manipur, and Kuki National Organisation/KNO and United People’s Front/UPF was held in New Delhi today. 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. Among other provisions, the revised ground rules reiterated:
• The territorial integrity of Manipur.
• The need for a negotiated solution to bring lasting peace and stability to the State of Manipur.”
The SoO is also being seen as a major confidence-building measure. As per the renewed agreement, the number of camps will be reduced from 14 to 10. Kuki Zo camps located in the foothills are likely to be moved further into the hill areas, and vice versa for Meitei insurgent camps to the valley. This move is expected to reduce clashes between the two sides and create a more enforceable buffer zone.
“KNO and UPF have also agreed to:
• Relocate seven designated camps away from areas vulnerable to conflict.
• Reduce the number of designated camps.
• Relocate the weapons to the nearest CRPF/BSF camps.
• Conduct stringent physical verification of cadres by security forces to de-list foreign nationals, if any,” the MHA statement said.
The SoO was first signed in August 2008 by the Centre, the Manipur government, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and the United People’s Front (UPF), which together represented 25 insurgent groups comprising Kuki-Zo, Zomi, and Hmars. The aim of the agreement was to end hostilities and initiate political dialogue.
Under the SoO agreement, overground cadres of insurgent groups were put up in designated camps, called SoO camps. The insurgents were required to deposit their arms in a safe, locked room inside the camp. Regular inspections were carried out by security forces to ensure that the arms remained secured and insurgents did not step out of the camps.
In return, a monthly stipend was paid for the rehabilitation of the insurgents. Central security forces also did not carry out any operations against these groups.
In November 2023, an agreement was signed by the MHA with the Meitei insurgent group UNLF (Pambei) for a political settlement and to end hostilities with security forces.
Following the imposition of President’s rule, the central government also took action against Arambai Tengol’s Chief. The Meitei group was accused of inciting violence against the Kukis, and the CBI arrested its Chief, Asen Kanan Singh, on various charges, including an alleged attack on an additional SP, in June 2025. Since the arrest, Arambai Tengol has distanced itself from street violence.
However, the warring Kuki groups saw Biren Singh stepping down from the Chief Minister’s chair as the biggest sign of the BJP-led Centre’s seriousness in bringing peace to the strife-torn state. Biren Singh has been accused by Kuki groups of personally launching a hate campaign against the tribal group.
About the Author
Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero …Read More
Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero … Read More
September 04, 2025, 18:31 IST
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