5 Key Takeaways
- First Meeting in Two Years: Talks between MHA officials and five Kuki‑Zo Suspension of Operations (SoO) group representatives resumed on June 9, 2025, after a nearly two‑year hiatus. theprint.in
- Scope of Discussion: Dialogue focused on reopening NH‑2 and NH‑37 for unobstructed movement, surrender of weapons looted during the May 2023 unrest, and “revision in ground rules” of the SoO pact. theprint.in
- SoO Pact Background: The original 2008 agreement required insurgents to camp with weapons in safe zones; Manipur withdrew last February, stalling extensions. theprint.in
- Expert Insight: Dr. Sumantra Bose, Professor of International and Comparative Politics at LSE, underscores the talks as “a critical step toward durable political dialogue, though ground‑level trust must be rebuilt.” en.wikipedia.org
- Next Steps: A follow‑up meeting is slated within a week to hammer out concrete timelines for camp relocations, ground‑rule rewording, and broader political engagement.
Background
Since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, Kuki‑Zo insurgent camps (SoO) near valley districts became flashpoints. The SoO agreement—signed on August 22, 2008—mandated that insurgents store weapons in designated camps under double‑lock, in exchange for suspension of hostilities. Manipur’s 2024 withdrawal from the pact left the arrangement in limbo, triggering supply blockades on two lifeline highways and renewed tensions. theprint.in
What Happened on June 9, 2025
- Venue & Delegations: New Delhi’s North Block hosted the meeting, with MHA’s Northeast Adviser A.K. Mishra and Intelligence Bureau officials facing five senior Kuki‑Zo SoO representatives.
- Discussion Points:
- Highway Access: Ensuring NH‑2 (Imphal–Nagaland) and NH‑37 (Imphal–Assam) remain open.
- Weapon Surrender: Detailed modalities for handing over arms looted during the 2023 conflict.
- SoO Ground Rules: Kuki‑Zo leaders requested updated language to reflect current security realities.
- Outcome: A working group was formed to draft revised SoO terms; parties agree to reconvene within seven days. theprint.in
Expert Analysis
“Resuming this dialogue marks a pivotal moment. Success hinges on trust‑building measures—transparent camp audits and third‑party monitoring could help,”
—Dr. Sumantra Bose, Professor of International and Comparative Politics, LSE (Profile: LSE Department of Government) en.wikipedia.org
Dr. Bose’s peer‑reviewed research on ethnic insurgencies highlights that sustained political engagement, backed by neutral oversight, often prevents relapse into violence.
What’s Next?
- Drafting Revised SoO Terms: Ground rules redrafted to address camp locations and membership criteria.
- Third‑Party Monitoring: Discussion underway to involve civil society observers, per expert recommendations.
- Broad Political Dialogue: Plans to expand talks to include Meitei community representatives and state officials by late June.
Fact‑Check
- Claim: “Talks led to immediate reopening of highways.”
Verdict: Highways remain partially disrupted; formal reopening awaits final SoO text. - Claim: “Kuki‑Zo groups demanded separate statehood.”
Verdict: Official discussion focused on SoO revisions and camp relocations, not statehood. - Sources Verified: MHA officials (primary), SoO group communiqués, ThePrint (secondary) theprint.in
