New Delhi / Imphal, September 4, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough aimed at restoring peace in Manipur, the Government of India, the Manipur state administration, and representatives of Kuki-Zo groups signed a renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement on Thursday. The tripartite pact includes key provisions to uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur, reopen National Highway-2 (NH-2), and relocate militant camps away from conflict-prone areas.
The agreement was reached following a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi involving officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Manipur government, and leaders from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF). The pact, effective for one year, replaces the previous SoO agreement that had lapsed in February 2024 amid rising tensions and allegations of violations.
Under the revised terms, the Kuki-Zo Council has committed to reopening NH-2 for the free movement of commuters and essential goods. The highway, a vital lifeline connecting Manipur to Nagaland and the broader Northeast region, had been blocked since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023. The reopening is expected to ease humanitarian challenges and improve access to relief for displaced communities.
The agreement also mandates the relocation of seven designated militant camps to safer zones, reduction in the number of camps, and the transfer of weapons to nearby Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) facilities such as CRPF and BSF bases. Additionally, stringent physical verification of militant cadres will be conducted to identify and de-list any foreign nationals.
A Joint Monitoring Group will oversee compliance with the ground rules, and any violations may prompt a review of the agreement. The pact emphasizes the need for a negotiated solution to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.
The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Manipur later this month—his first since the onset of ethnic unrest in 2023. The renewed agreement is being viewed as a confidence-building measure and a step toward reconciliation between the valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups.
The Centre reiterated its commitment to inclusive dialogue and long-term peace in Manipur, while the Kuki-Zo leadership expressed willingness to cooperate with security forces and uphold the terms of the agreement. The reopening of NH-2 and the renewed SoO pact signal cautious optimism for restoring normalcy in the strife-torn state.
