The Indian government is reassessing the terms of engagement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur, amidst ongoing ethnic violence in the state. One key proposal involves relocating designated camps for these groups further away from Meitei-dominated valley districts, a move supported by Meitei groups.
This review comes after the Manipur government's refusal to extend the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with Kuki-Zo groups earlier this year, leaving the agreement in limbo. Recent meetings between government officials and Kuki-Zo representatives have focused on revising the ground rules for the SoO camps.
The SoO agreement, signed in 2008, requires insurgent cadres to reside in designated camps with monitored weapons and ammunition. Currently, an estimated 2,200 cadres live in 14 such camps across Manipur's hill districts.
Ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities has escalated dramatically since May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths and widespread displacement. The conflict has also complicated ongoing peace negotiations between the government and Kuki-Zo groups, who have revised their demands to include a "separate administration".
While the recent meetings did not directly address these political demands, they signify the government's ongoing efforts to manage the complex security situation in Manipur.
