MHA, Manipur Government and Kuki-Zo Groups Sign Revised Suspension of Operations Agreement

Imphal, August 9, 2026: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Government of Manipur and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have signed a revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in New Delhi, introducing updated ground rules for the ongoing peace process.

Officials said the renewed agreement reaffirms the territorial integrity of Manipur and provides for political dialogue within the framework of the Constitution of India.

The tripartite agreement was signed following a meeting involving senior representatives of the Central Government, the Manipur government and two major Kuki-Zo insurgent group formations — the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).

Revised SoO Agreement Takes Immediate Effect

According to officials, the revised terms and ground rules came into effect immediately after the agreement was signed.

The renewed agreement will remain valid for one year and introduces changes to the existing arrangements concerning designated camps and the movement and activities of cadres.

One of the key provisions requires seven designated camps to be relocated away from sensitive and conflict-prone areas.

The overall number of active designated camps will also be reduced as part of the revised arrangement.

Cadres to Deposit Weapons at Security Force Camps

Under the updated operational framework, cadres associated with the designated groups will be required to deposit their weapons at the nearest Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Border Security Force (BSF) camps.

The measure forms part of the revised ground rules and the process of consolidating designated camps under the renewed SoO arrangement.

Officials estimate that the KNO and UPF together operate around 14 designated camps, primarily in the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

These camps are estimated to accommodate approximately 2,200 armed cadres.

SoO Agreement Dates Back to 2008

The original tripartite Suspension of Operations agreement was signed in 2008 between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups.

At the time, 25 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups were brought under the agreement through the KNO and UPF.

Of these, 17 groups were associated with the KNO, while eight groups operated under the UPF.

The SoO agreement has subsequently been extended periodically, forming a key component of the government’s engagement with the designated groups.

Territorial Integrity of Manipur Reaffirmed

A significant aspect of the revised agreement is its stated commitment to maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The agreement also provides for political dialogue to continue within the constitutional framework of India.

The latest revision comes amid continued efforts by the Centre and state authorities to address the prolonged conflict in Manipur and establish conditions conducive to dialogue and peace.

The relocation and consolidation of designated camps, along with the requirement for cadres to deposit weapons, are expected to form important components of the implementation of the revised ground rules over the coming year.

Key Highlights

• MHA, the Manipur government, KNO and UPF signed a revised SoO agreement in New Delhi.
• The renewed agreement is valid for one year.
• The agreement upholds the territorial integrity of Manipur.
• Political dialogue will continue within the framework of the Constitution of India.
• Seven designated camps will be shifted away from sensitive areas.
• The total number of active designated camps will be reduced.
• Cadres will be required to deposit weapons at nearby CRPF or BSF camps.
• Around 14 designated camps are currently associated with KNO and UPF.
• Approximately 2,200 armed cadres are estimated to be housed in these camps.
• The original SoO agreement was signed in 2008 involving 25 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups.