New Manipur government holds first dialogue with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, discusses camp relocation
Amid fresh unrest, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Manipur State government resumed talks with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, who are under a Suspension of Operations (SOO) pact. This marks the first such meeting since the restoration of an elected government in Manipur on February 4, led by Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh. The previous Biren Singh government had refused to extend the SOO pact in February 2024. Discussions focused on operational and security issues, with both sides agreeing to relocate some SOO camps to reduce friction with local populations and improve security.
Key Points
- The MHA and Manipur government resumed talks with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups under a Suspension of Operations (SOO) pact.
- This was the first dialogue involving the Manipur government since the restoration of an elected government on February 4, 2026.
- The previous Biren Singh government had refused to extend the SOO pact in February 2024.
- Both sides agreed on the need to relocate some SOO camps to reduce friction with local populations and improve security.
- Kuki-Zo groups decided to consolidate their 14 camps to 12 and raised concerns about attacks in Ukhrul district by Tangkhul armed groups.
Exam Facts
- State: Manipur.
- Chief Minister: Y. Khemchand Singh (restored Feb 4).
- Pact: Suspension of Operations (SOO).
- Insurgent groups: United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO).
- SOO pact first signed: 2008.
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