Recently, the Centre and Manipur government signed a revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, ahead of the Prime Minister’s first post-violence visit on September 13.
Key Provisions of the Revised SoO Agreement
- Verification of Cadres: Security forces will verify insurgent cadres and de-list foreign nationals. Those identified will be deported.
- Territorial Integrity: The pact reiterates the territorial integrity of Manipur, ruling out territorial bifurcation.
- Political Settlement Clause: Introduces a new phrase – “negotiated political settlement within the Constitution of India”. This goes beyond the 2008 pact, which only spoke of territorial councils.
- Relocation of Camps: Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) agreed to relocate 7 designated camps, move them away from conflict-prone areas, and keep weapons in nearby CRPF/BSF camps.
- Monitoring Mechanism: A Joint Monitoring Group will enforce compliance, with provisions for strict action on violations, including review of the SoO.
- Highway Opening: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) agreed to open National Highway-2 (Imphal–Dimapur), a lifeline for the Meitei-dominated valley, for free movement of commuters and essential goods.
Timeline: Manipur’s Peace Process and SoO Pact
- 1990s: Kuki–Naga clashes erupt, leading to hundreds of deaths; Kuki insurgent groups demand a separate homeland.
- 2008: Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement signed as a tripartite pact between the Centre, Manipur govt., and 25 Kuki insurgent groups under KNO and UPF.
- 2008–2023: Pact renewed annually with periodic allegations of ground rule violations.
- May 3, 2023: Ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities breaks out, leaving over 200 dead and thousands displaced.
- Feb 29, 2024: Manipur government refuses to extend the SoO pact, citing group involvement in violence.
- Sept 3, 2025: Revised SoO Agreement signed with re-negotiated terms, affirming territorial integrity of Manipur, camp relocation, cadre verification, and opening of National Highway-2.
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Background of the SoO Pact
- First Signed: 2008, as a tripartite agreement between the Centre, Manipur government, and 25 Kuki insurgent groups (under KNO and UPF).
- Origins: Rooted in the Kuki–Naga clashes of the 1990s, when hundreds were killed. Insurgent groups demanded a separate Kuki homeland.
- Periodic Renewal: Extended annually until February 2024, when the Manipur government refused renewal citing violations during ethnic violence.
- Controversies: Former CM N. Biren Singh accused SoO groups of instigating violence and breaching ground rules.
PWOnlyIAS Extra Edge:
Tribes in Manipur
- Manipur is a multi-ethnic state in Northeast India with 33 recognized tribes.
- Broadly divided into Naga tribes and Kuki-Zo tribes, mostly inhabiting the hill districts, while the Meitei community (non-tribal) dominates the Imphal Valley.
- Together, Scheduled Tribes form ~41% of Manipur’s population (Census 2011).
Major Tribal Groups
- Naga Tribes (Predominantly in the Northern and Eastern hills):
- Includes Tangkhul, Mao, Maram, Poumai, Rongmei, Zeme, Liangmai, Anal, Monsang, Maring, Lamkang, Chothe, and Thangal.
- Ethnically linked to Nagas of Nagaland; follow Christianity; distinct customs, clan systems, and festivals like Luira (Tangkhul seed-sowing festival).
- Concentrated in Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Chandel districts.
- Kuki-Zo Tribes (Dominant in Southern and Western hills):
- Includes Thadou, Paite, Hmar, Simte, Gangte, Zou, Vaiphei, Ralte, and others.
- Closely related to tribes in Mizoram, Myanmar, and Chittagong Hill Tracts.
- Christian-majority; known for festivals like Chavang Kut (harvest festival).
- Concentrated in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Chandel districts.
- Other Smaller Tribal Groups:
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- Aimol, Kom, Purum, Kharam, Koireng, and Inpui, spread across central hill ranges.
- These are numerically smaller but culturally rich groups preserving traditional dance, music, and oral histories.
Cultural and Social Features
- Clan-based organisation with village councils as decision-making bodies.
- Predominantly agrarian, practising shifting cultivation (jhum) and terrace farming.
- Traditional Crafts: Weaving, bamboo, and cane products.
- Most tribes have oral literature, folk dances, and animistic traditions, though the majority are now Christian.
Political and Contemporary Relevance
- Scheduled Tribe status ensures reservation benefits in education, jobs, and political representation.
- Hill-Valley divide: Tribes dominate hill areas (90% of Manipur’s geography), while Meiteis dominate the fertile valley (10% area, 60% population).
- Ethnic tensions: Ongoing Kuki-Zo vs. Meitei conflict (2023–25) and historical Naga–Kuki clashes of the 1990s show unresolved issues over autonomy, land rights, and identity.
- Tribal groups have demanded autonomous territorial councils or separate administration, contributing to insurgency movements.
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Significance of the 2025 Agreement
- Peace Process Revival: Revives the framework for dialogue after a year-long deadlock, potentially reducing armed hostilities.
- Highway Access Restored: Reopening of NH-2 ensures uninterrupted flow of goods to the Imphal valley, reducing shortages and inflationary pressures.
- Political Implications: By affirming territorial integrity while keeping the door open for a constitutional settlement, it seeks a balance between Meitei concerns and Kuki-Zo aspirations.
- Security Stability: Relocation of insurgent camps and stricter monitoring aims at preventing misuse of camps during ethnic clashes.
- Confidence-Building: Signals willingness of both government and Kuki groups to work towards peace within India’s constitutional framework.
Challenges Ahead
- Trust Deficit: Deep-rooted mistrust between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continues.
- Implementation: Success depends on strict monitoring of camps and cadre movements.
- Political Aspirations: Kuki-Zo groups may continue pressing for autonomy or separate administration, potentially reigniting tensions.
- Ethnic Tensions: Sporadic violence and polarisation along ethnic lines may disrupt the peace process.
- State Capacity: Manipur’s administrative machinery and security forces remain strained after two years of conflict.
Way Forward
- Inclusive Dialogue: Ensure representation of Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities in peace talks.
- Confidence-Building Measures: Address grievances of displaced persons, ensure rehabilitation and resettlement.
- Strengthen Monitoring: Make the Joint Monitoring Group independent and transparent to track SoO compliance.
- Developmental Approach: Improve infrastructure, jobs, and education in conflict-affected areas to reduce recruitment into insurgent groups.
- Constitutional Pathways: Explore models like Sixth Schedule councils, special provisions under Article 371C, or administrative devolution within Manipur.
| PWOnlyIAS Extra Edge:
Article 371C – Special Provisions for Manipur:
- Inserted by the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971.
- Provides for a special responsibility of the President regarding the administration of Manipur’s hill areas.
- The President may direct the Governor to ensure proper administration of these areas.
- A Committee of the Legislative Assembly of Manipur must be constituted, consisting of MLAs elected from hill areas, to safeguard their interests.
- The Governor is required to submit reports to the President on hill areas’ administration.
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Conclusion
- The 2025 SoO agreement is a step toward peace in Manipur, but its success rests on trust-building, inclusive dialogue, strict enforcement, and solutions that uphold constitutional values while addressing all communities’ aspirations.
Read More About Suspension Of Operations (SoO) Agreement, Center reviews ground rules with Manipur’s Kuki-Zo insurgent groups
5 Sep 2025
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