A Step Toward Peace: Manipur Signs Fresh Suspension of Operations Pact

Manipur, long marred by ethnic conflict and unrest, witnessed a crucial breakthrough as the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur, and representatives of the Kuki-Zo groups signed a renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The pact, effective for one year, is seen as a major stride toward restoring stability in the violence-stricken state. The signing comes at a politically sensitive time, with speculation growing around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Manipur—his first since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in May 2023.

Security personnel keep vigil after the administration imposed prohibitory orders and suspending internet services in five Imphal valley districts following violent protests in Manipur over the arrest of a leader of Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, in Imphal, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Photo: PTI) | Firstpost

Provisions of the Agreement

The agreement requires militant groups to reaffirm their commitment to India’s Constitution and the territorial integrity of Manipur. The signatories pledged to cease all violent activities, including ambushes, extortion, and kidnappings. Importantly, seven designated camps housing Kuki-Zo militants will now be relocated away from conflict-sensitive areas. The arms belonging to these groups are to be secured at nearby CRPF and BSF facilities, with strict verification processes in place to identify cadres and remove any foreign nationals who may have infiltrated their ranks.

Another critical feature of the agreement is the reopening of National Highway-2 (NH-2), a lifeline for Manipur’s economy. Blocked for over two years due to ethnic hostilities, the highway will once again allow the movement of goods and essential supplies. The Kuki-Zo Council has agreed to work with security forces to ensure free and safe passage along this key route.

Monitoring and Oversight

To ensure compliance, a joint monitoring group has been formed to oversee ground-level implementation of the pact. This body will address violations of the agreement, with the authority to review or even terminate the arrangement if armed groups fail to uphold their commitments. This monitoring mechanism is expected to act as both a safeguard and a confidence-building tool in a fragile peace process.

Historical and Political Context

The ethnic conflict in Manipur erupted in May 2023 after deep divisions over demands for Scheduled Tribe status escalated into violence. The clashes left more than 250 people dead and displaced over 60,000. Dozens of villages and places of worship were destroyed, creating deep scars in both the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The SoO pact was first introduced in 2008 as a peace-building framework between the central government and Kuki militant groups. However, it lapsed in February 2024 when the Manipur government withdrew its support, citing violations of the ground rules. Since then, violence and mistrust have grown, exacerbated further by political uncertainty, including the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh earlier this year and the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.

While the new pact offers hope, challenges remain. Naga groups have expressed concerns over the relocation of Kuki-Zo camps into areas they regard as ancestral land, reflecting the delicate balance required in managing Manipur’s ethnic mosaic. Moreover, earlier in 2025, several Kuki representatives temporarily suspended their engagement with the central government to push for more substantive political dialogue—an indicator of the long road ahead toward reconciliation.

The MGMM Outlook

The signing of the renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact in Manipur marks an important step toward restoring peace in a region scarred by ethnic conflict since May 2023. The agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur government, and representatives of the Kuki-Zo groups is designed to reduce tensions and strengthen stability. Provisions such as relocating militant camps from sensitive areas, securing arms under CRPF and BSF supervision, and reopening the long-blocked National Highway-2 are crucial for rebuilding trust and reviving the state’s economic lifeline. Coming at a time when Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Manipur since the outbreak of violence is anticipated, the pact carries both symbolic and practical weight.

At the same time, the pact reflects cautious hope in a region where divisions remain deep. The unrest has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and left lasting damage to homes, villages, and places of worship. While the monitoring mechanism ensures oversight and accountability, lasting peace will depend on dialogue, cooperation, and confidence-building between communities. The renewed SoO agreement is not just a document of temporary calm but a potential foundation for long-term reconciliation in Manipur.

(Sources: Firstpost, News18, Times of India)