Paper: GS – III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: North East regional issues, Issue: Recent steps in addressing the Manipur crisis.
Context:
On 8 September 2025, ahead of PM Modi’s proposed visit to Manipur, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) announced:
- Renewal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with militant groups under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), with renegotiated terms.
- Resumption of “free movement” on National Highway 2 (NH-2) connecting Assam–Nagaland–Manipur–Mizoram.
- PM’s visit is his first since May 2023 ethnic conflict; planned stops: Churachandpur (Kuki-Zo-majority) and Imphal.
Key Takeaways:
Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement:
Kuki Group Concessions:
- Key demand met: Removal of Biren Singh and President’s Rule facilitated engagement.
- Civil society bodies (Kuki-Zo Council, Zomi Council) continue to push for separate administration, though SoO emphasizes territorial integrity.
Free Movement on NH-2:
- Conflict hardened inter-district boundaries and restricted movement for Kuki-Zo & Meitei communities.
- Goal: Restore movement of people and goods. Home Minister set March 2025 deadline for the resumption of free movement.
- Kuki-Zo Council have agreed to open NH-2, appealing for cooperation in Kangpokpi.
- However, Meitei groups have not committed to reciprocal free movement as ongoing tensions remain.
Challenges:
- Kuki-Zo groups allege MHA statements misleading, citing no real blockades.
- The term “free movement” remains vague, not covering full valley-hill access.
- Meitei groups’ absence of commitment leaves inter-community distrust.
Implications:
- Conflict Management: Renewed SoO provides a framework for regulated insurgent activity.
- Humanitarian & Economic Relief: NH-2 reopening restores essential trade and mobility.
- Political Stability: Emphasis on territorial integrity while leaving space for negotiated solutions.
- Ongoing Risks: Reciprocal agreements with Meitei groups pending; ethnic tensions persist.
Kuki Tribe:Origin: Tibeto-Burman ethnic group; inhabiting NE India (Manipur, Mizoram, Assam), Myanmar, Bangladesh.Related Tribes: Chin (Myanmar), Mizo (Mizoram) → collectively known as Zo people.Livelihood: Shifting/Jhum cultivation; led to territorial disputes with Nagas & Meiteis.Historical Rebellion: 1917-19 Kuki Rebellion against the British.Religion: Predominantly Christianity.Conflict Drivers: Land ownership, territorial expansion, political dominance in hills.
Conclusion:
The MHA’s twin decisions—SoO renewal and NH-2 reopening—signal a pragmatic approach toward stabilizing Manipur, balancing territorial integrity, insurgent regulation, and inter-community mobility. Long-term peace depends on reciprocal commitments, political negotiations, and monitoring of militant compliance.
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