By – Ngaranmi Shimray
The re-negotiated SoO Agreement of September 2025 and the revised ground rules provide for closer monitoring of violations through the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG). The revised framework is intended to enable quicker review of violations and allows the Government to consider appropriate action, including review, suspension, or termination of the SoO arrangement where warranted.
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) is a tripartite agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and the militant outfits under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF). Originally signed in 2008 and renewed in September 2025 with revised ground rules, the SoO framework was intended to improve transparency, effectiveness, and accountability. Reports of continued gun violence since early 2026 involving SoO signatory groups and other communities have raised questions about whether the revised ground rules are being effectively enforced. Allegations include ambushes, killings of civilians, kidnappings, sniping, torching of villages, extortion, and failure to surrender all firearms. The agreement provides mechanisms for review and possible termination in the event of serious violations. It is therefore important to examine the provisions of the revised SoO framework.
A. Key Features of the September 2025 Revised Ground Rules
The September 2025 revised ground rules include stricter enforcement provisions, a time-bound political dialogue process, and a formal reaffirmation of Manipur’s territorial integrity. Key revisions include:
1. Cessation of Violence: The revised pact requires signatory groups to refrain from offensive operations against individuals, communities, security forces, or other groups. The rules also prohibit fresh recruitment of cadres.
2. Confinement to Designated Camps: Cadres are required to remain in designated camps. Vulnerable camps are to be relocated away from highways, populated areas, and the Myanmar border. The revised agreement also provides for a reduction in the number of designated camps.
3. Weapons Management: Following concerns arising from the 2023 ethnic violence, the revised agreement provides for weapons to be relocated from insurgent camps and kept under the custody of nearby CRPF or BSF facilities.
4. No Unauthorized Associations: Signatory outfits are required not to maintain links with other armed groups inside or outside India.
5. Cadre Verification and JMG Oversight: The revised agreement provides for stringent physical verification of cadres to identify and remove foreign nationals, if any. The JMG is tasked with monitoring compliance with the ground rules and reviewing violations.
B. Conditions that may Warrant Review or Termination of the Agreement
The SoO agreement is not permanent and may be reviewed, suspended, or terminated under certain circumstances, including:
* Repeated Violations of Ground Rules: Persistent violations such as leaving designated camps with arms, establishing unauthorized camps, or continuing extortion activities.
* Acts of Violence: Participation in ambushes, raids, sniping, kidnappings, killings of civilians, or attacks on security forces would constitute serious breaches of the agreement.
* Fresh Recruitment or Presence of Foreign Nationals: Recruitment of new cadres or the presence of illegal foreign nationals among signatory groups would violate the revised ground rules.
* Failure to Comply with Weapons Provisions: Refusal or failure to relocate weapons in accordance with the revised arrangements would undermine the agreement.
* Challenging Territorial Integrity: Signatory groups are required to abide by the Constitution of India and respect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
* Withdrawal by Any Party: As a tripartite agreement, continuation of the arrangement depends upon the consent of all parties.
C. The Role of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG)
The Joint Monitoring Group serves as the principal oversight mechanism for monitoring compliance with the ground rules and examining violations.
Its functions include:
* Overseeing Physical Verification: Monitoring the verification of cadres and identification of foreign nationals, if any.
* Monitoring Compliance: Reviewing adherence to the revised ground rules and reporting violations.
* Weapons Accountability: Coordinating with security agencies regarding compliance with the weapons management provisions.
* Recommending Action: Bringing violations to the notice of the Government and recommending appropriate action, including review of the SoO arrangement where necessary.
There are allegations that violations have continued in the form of armed attacks, kidnappings, killings of civilians, extortion, movement of armed cadres outside designated camps, and non-compliance with weapons-related provisions. These allegations have led to demands for closer scrutiny by the JMG and appropriate action by the Government in accordance with the revised ground rules.
Conclusion
The JMG should carefully review all reported incidents involving ambushes, killings of civilians, kidnappings, sniping, torching of villages, extortion, and issues relating to the surrender and custody of firearms. Where violations are established, the JMG should make appropriate recommendations to the Government in accordance with the provisions of the SoO agreement. Civil society organisations in Manipur may also continue to seek transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of the revised ground rules so that the objectives of peace and public safety are achieved.
