Manipur Peace Talks: Government Engages with Militant Outfits Amidst Ongoing Ethnic Tensions
Summary of the News
In a significant development, the Government of India has initiated talks with four Kuki militant groups from Manipur under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement. The meeting took place at the Assam Police’s Special Branch headquarters in Guwahati, Assam. This move comes amidst ongoing ethnic tensions and violence in Manipur, which have resulted in over 260 deaths and thousands displaced since May 2023. The discussions aim to address the demands of the Kuki groups and restore peace in the region
Delving Deeper: The Path to Peace in Manipur
Background: The Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement
The SoO agreement, signed on August 22, 2008, between the Government of India and two conglomerates of Kuki militant outfits—the United Peoples’ Front and the Kuki National Organisation—marked a significant step towards peace in Manipur. Under this agreement, 23 underground groups agreed to suspend operations and confine their cadres to designated camps. Currently, around 2,266 Kuki cadres reside in these camps across Manipur.
Recent Developments: Renewed Talks Amidst Tensions
On June 6, 2025, the Government of India held a meeting with leaders of four Kuki militant outfits under the SoO agreement. The meeting, held at the Assam Police’s Special Branch headquarters in Guwahati, aimed to address the demands of these groups and find a path towards lasting peace. This initiative follows a series of appeals from Kuki-Zo MLAs and civil society organizations urging the government to resume talks with the SoO groups.
Community Involvement: A Unified Stand
In May 2025, several Kuki MLAs, civil society organizations, and leaders of Kuki militant groups under the SoO agreement convened in Guwahati. They collectively decided to suspend all engagements with the Government of India until substantive political dialogue is resumed. This unified stand underscores the community’s demand for meaningful engagement to address their concerns.
Ethnic Violence: The Underlying Crisis
Since May 2023, Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The conflict has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced thousands. Despite peace talks and temporary truces, hostilities continue, fueled by deep-seated grievances and retaliatory attacks.
Government Initiatives: Steps Towards Resolution
The recent talks with Kuki militant groups signify the government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis. Additionally, the government has extended the services of 10,500 Village Defence Force personnel until March 2026 to bolster local security. These measures aim to restore peace and stability in the region.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement?
The SoO agreement is a ceasefire pact signed in 2008 between the Government of India and two conglomerates of Kuki militant outfits. Under this agreement, the militant groups agreed to suspend operations and confine their cadres to designated camps.
Q2: Why are the recent talks significant?
The talks mark a renewed effort by the government to engage with Kuki militant groups amidst ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. They aim to address the groups’ demands and restore peace in the region.
Q3: What led to the suspension of engagements by Kuki groups?
In May 2025, Kuki MLAs, civil society organizations, and leaders of Kuki militant groups decided to suspend all engagements with the government until substantive political dialogue is resumed. This decision was made to pressure the government into initiating meaningful discussions.
Q4: What is the current situation in Manipur?
Manipur has been experiencing ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in over 260 deaths and displacing thousands. The conflict primarily involves the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities
Q5: What steps has the government taken to address the crisis?
The government has initiated talks with Kuki militant groups, extended the services of Village Defence Force personnel, and increased security measures to restore peace and stability in Manipur.
