Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement

The Union Home Ministry (MHA)  in an ongoing discussion with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups to review the ground rules of the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement.

• The fresh episode of violence led to a review meeting.

Topics Discussed in the Meeting

• Opening of National Highway: The opening of National Highways-2 and 37 (connecting  the land-locked Imphal valley to Nagaland and Assam respectively) which pass through Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
• Demand For Union Territory: The insurgent groups reiterated their demand for a union territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
• Ground Rules Violation: The Kuki-Zo insurgent group were conveyed about ground rules violations and were also asked to shut down or relocate camps close to the Meitei-inhabited areas.

About the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement

• Signed By: The Suspension of Operation was first signed between the Government of India, Manipur government and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) on August 22, 2008, to cease hostilities.
  • 25 out of the 30 insurgent groups comprising the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) are part of the SoO living  in 14 designated camps in the hill districts of Manipur.
• Background: The SoO agreement was signed in the wake of Kuki-Naga clashes in the 1990s which demanded an independent land for the Kuki-Zo people.
  • The agreement is reviewed and renewed every year contingent on continued compliance and progress in peace talks.
• Current Status: The Manipur Government unilaterally pulled out of the agreement on February 29, 2024 after alleging ground rules violation. Since then the agreement has been suspension.
• A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG): A JMG was set up to execute the mandate of the SoO agreement and is tasked to meet every month and check if the militant groups are abiding by the terms of the agreement.
  • A JMG comprising of principal secretary (Home), inspector general of additional director general (intelligence), representatives of army, paramilitary forces and home ministry.
• Terms of the Agreement:
  • Ceasefire Agreement: While the insurgent groups have to cease all armed activities, the government will halt all military operations against them.
  • Designated Camps: Cadres of the militant groups to stay in designated camps and paid a monthly stipend of ₹6,000 as a rehabilitation package.
    • Such camps will not be located close to populated areas and National Highways. Also, such camps to be located far away international border
  • Disarmament: All weapons will be held within the camp’s armoury in a double locking system, with one key being with the group and other, with the concerned security force.
    • Cadres will not be allowed to acquire additional arms, ammunition or military equipment.
  • Exclusions: The insurgent groups will not be allowed to carry fresh recruitment of cadres or raise additional military/civil outfits/ front organisations
    • They will not construct memorials, hoist flags or carry out parades of armed cadres.
  • Political Dialogue: The agreement serves as a platform for addressing political grievances through peaceful negotiations.

What Triggered the Manipur Ethnic Violence?

• Demand by Meitei Community for an ST Status: The Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has since 2012 demanded an Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community in Manipur.
• Manipur High Court Order: The Manipur High Court directed the state government to “consider the request of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list” sparking outrage within the Kukis Community.
  • The tribal groups called for a total shutdown on 28 April 2023 in protest of the state government actions.
• Kukis Concern: Granting ST status to Meiteis will potentially impact the reserved quotas in education and government jobs, as well as the likelihood of Meitei land ownership in protected hill areas.
• Manipur State Eviction Drive: The Manipur government launched an eviction drive in the kuki tribals populated hilly areas against encroachment on government land, sparking anger among tribal people that they were being forced out of their homes.
• Withdrawal from SoO Agreement: The Manipur government unilaterally withdrew from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement alleging violations of the ground rules of the agreement. 

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