Kuki-Zo Peace Agreement

Context

The Central Government and the Government of Manipur signed a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki-Zo rebel groups on ‘redefined terms and conditions’ with an aim to restore peace and stability in the violence-hit state.

Background

• Manipur has been witnessing a prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths and large-scale displacement.
• Several Kuki insurgent groups have been holding peace talks since 2008 under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
• The agreement is considered a major step towards reconciliation and lasting peace in the state. The agreement will be effective for a period of one year from the date of signing.
• The first SoO agreement was signed in the 1990s after the Kuki-Naga conflict in which hundreds of people were killed.

About Operation Suspension Agreement

• Stakeholders: Central government, Manipur government and representatives of Kuki-Zo armed groups.
• Ceasefire agreement: Armed groups will renounce violence and work within the constitutional framework.
• Integration into the mainstream: Provisions for rehabilitation of cadres, surrender of arms and measures for socio-economic development.
  • The groups agreed to open the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) passing through the district for ‘free movement of travellers and essential commodities’.
  • The highway, which is the major highway connecting Imphal valley, home to the Meitei group, with Nagaland and Assam; has been closed for the movement of Meitei people for the last two years.
• Focus on stability: Commitment to address long-term political security and ethnic concerns in the state.
• Monitoring mechanism: A joint committee will oversee the implementation of the peace agreement.

Revised Ground Rules

• The security forces will verify the cadres and remove any foreign nationals from the list, if found.
• Once identified, the foreign nationals will be deported.
• The revised ground rules lay emphasis on the territorial integrity of Manipur and relocation of camps run by insurgent groups.
  • The groups have also agreed to relocate seven designated camps away from conflict-prone areas.

Significance of the Agreement

• Security: Reduction in insurgency-related violence and proliferation of weapons.
• Governance: Opportunities for dialogue-based conflict resolution.
• Development: Facilitates socio-economic upliftment in hill areas.
• Ethnic Harmony: Lays the ground for addressing inter-community tensions.