The Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement between the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), the United People’s Front (UPF), the Government of India, and the Government of Manipur has been extended until 2025 with revised ground rules. The tripartite agreement was signed yesterday in New Delhi amidst opposition from certain Meitei groups and the Thadou Civil Organisation.
In a parallel development, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) announced its decision to reopen National Highway-02 (NH-02) for the free passage of commuters and essential goods. The move came after a series of meetings in New Delhi between officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a KZC delegation. The Council assured cooperation with Security Forces deployed by the Government of India to ensure peace along the highway.
The SoO arrangement, first introduced in 2005 and formalized in 2008, has been renewed periodically, last expiring on February 29, 2024. Given the volatile situation in Manipur since May 2023, the parties agreed on the need to strengthen the framework for transparency and effectiveness.
Under the revised ground rules, KNO and UPF cadres must renounce violence, abide by the Constitution, respect the territorial integrity of Manipur, and avoid links with other armed groups. They are barred from ambushes, kidnappings, extortion, or any form of intimidation. In return, Security Forces will not launch operations against them as long as they comply with the agreement.
The renewed SoO also provides for a structured tripartite dialogue to work toward a negotiated political settlement within a time-bound framework. Oversight will be carried out by a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), with violations subject to strict action, including review or suspension of the agreement.