In a significant step towards restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur, Kuki groups have agreed to renew the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and open the crucial National Highway-2 (NH-2) for free movement of commuters and essential goods. This development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to the state in the second week of September, his first since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo groups have signed a tripartite SoO agreement, aiming to restore peace after the ethnic conflict. The agreement includes maintaining Manipur's territorial integrity, reopening National Highway-2, and relocating militant camps. The agreement emphasizes a negotiated solution and strict enforcement of revised ground rules to ensure lasting stability.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a key organization representing a section of the Kuki and Zomi tribes, has assured the government of allowing free movement on NH-2, a vital supply route linking Manipur with Nagaland and the rest of the Northeast. The highway had remained blocked due to ethnic unrest since May 2023, causing extensive hardship to the people of Manipur. The decision to open the highway is seen as a confidence-building measure and an important step toward restoring normalcy in the violence-affected state. Officials believe that easing access to essential commodities will alleviate the burden on displaced families and civilians in relief camps.

The MHA has also renewed the SoO agreement with two umbrella organizations representing various Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar insurgent groups in Manipur. A key condition of the renewed agreement is that the territorial integrity of Manipur will be maintained. The tripartite SoO agreement, initially signed in 2008, outlines that the insurgents are to stay in designated camps with their weapons in locked storage, subject to regular monitoring. The agreement is reviewed annually by a joint monitoring group.

The renewed SoO agreement includes re-negotiated terms and conditions, effective for one year. The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF) have agreed to relocate seven designated camps away from conflict-vulnerable areas, reduce the number of camps, and move weapons to the nearest Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Border Security Force (BSF) camps. Security forces will conduct stringent physical verification of cadres to de-list any foreign nationals. The MHA stated that a joint monitoring group will closely monitor the enforcement of ground rules, and violations will be dealt with firmly, including a review of the SoO agreement.

The agreement signals a commitment from the Kuki groups to abjure violence and abide by the Constitution of India, the laws of the land, and the territorial integrity of Manipur. It also underscores the need for a negotiated solution to bring lasting peace and stability to Manipur. The positive developments come after தொடர் series of meetings between MHA officials and Kuki-Zo representatives.

Manipur has been under President's rule since February, following months of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities that began in May 2023. The conflict has resulted in over 260 deaths and the displacement of nearly 50,000 people. The recent agreements are expected to contribute significantly to restoring peace and harmony in the state.