The fragile peace process in Manipur has suffered a setback as civil groups from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have rejected recent agreements between the Centre, the state administration, and Kuki-Zo groups. These agreements included proposed extensions to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with tribal militant outfits and the reopening of National Highway-2 (NH-2), a crucial supply route.

Rejection of SoO Extension

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei organization, has strongly criticized the extension of the SoO agreement, calling it a "deceptive and anti-people move" that legitimizes what they describe as "Chin-Kuki armed narco-terrorist groups". COCOMI argues that extending the SoO undermines democratic mandates, citing a March 2023 state cabinet resolution and a February 2024 unanimous assembly vote to abrogate the agreement. They further contend that with Manipur under President's Rule since February 2025, the state administration lacks the constitutional and moral authority to represent the people in tripartite talks. COCOMI views the Centre's decision as an "undemocratic and hegemonic imposition" on the indigenous people of Manipur and their elected representatives. Another Meitei women vigilante group, Imagi Meira, has also criticized the central government for renewing the truce.

The SoO agreement, initially signed in 2008, involves the central government, the Manipur government, and two umbrella organizations representing Kuki-Zo insurgents: the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF). The agreement was intended to end hostilities and initiate political dialogue with tribal armed groups. However, the recent extension has faced strong opposition from Meitei organizations, who accuse the Kuki groups of engaging in terrorist and criminal acts.

NH-2 Reopening Dispute

The reopening of NH-2, which connects Imphal to Dimapur, has also met with resistance. The Village Volunteers Coordinating Committee (VVCC), an influential Kuki-Zo group, has declared the reopening "null and void". The VVCC maintains that Meitei people are unwelcome in Kuki-Zo territories and that any announcement regarding "free movement" on NH-2 is inconsequential until a separate administrative arrangement is granted to the Kuki-Zo people. They condemned the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) for making a unilateral decision without consulting the community. The VVCC has announced a boycott of the KZC, warning of consequences if the decision isn't withdrawn.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) had reportedly agreed to open NH-2 for the free movement of commuters and essential commodities in exchange for the extension of the SoO agreement. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the KZC had committed to cooperating with security forces to maintain peace along the highway. Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel has affirmed that the government will honor the agreements signed with Kuki-Zo groups and is making efforts to restore normalcy.

Impact and Context

These developments occur against the backdrop of the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which erupted in May 2023, has led to a blockade of NH-2, considered a lifeline for Manipur. The central government has been attempting to restore normalcy and facilitate dialogue between the conflicting parties.

The rejection of these agreements by key civil groups underscores the deep divisions and mistrust that persist between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. It also raises questions about the legitimacy and inclusivity of the negotiation process, with some groups claiming that their concerns and interests have not been adequately considered. These setbacks pose a challenge to the peace process and could potentially further escalate tensions in the already volatile region.

These recent developments occur ahead of a speculated visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur on September 13 or 14.