NEW DELHI, AUGUST 9, 2026 — In a major development toward restoring stability in the region, a tripartite meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday, August 8, 2026, concluded with the signing of a renewed and revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Manipur State Government, and Kuki-Zo umbrella groups -- Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples Front (UPF).
Key Provisions and Revised Ground Rules
Territorial Integrity & Political Dialogue: The revised pact explicitly reiterates the protection of Manipur's territorial integrity and establishes that any negotiated political settlement will be conducted strictly within the framework of the Constitution of India.
Relocation of Camps: Kuki-Zo groups under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) agreed to relocate seven designated camps away from areas vulnerable to conflict, reducing the total number of operational camps to prevent friction near populated zones and borders.
Arms Storage & Oversight: Arms and ammunition are to be deposited in double-locked armouries or relocated to the nearest Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Border Security Force (BSF) bases under the supervision of a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG).
Cadre Verification & Stipends: The framework mandates strict physical and Aadhaar-linked verification of cadres to issue official photo identity cards through Manipur Police, resume monthly stipends, and de-list non-entitled individuals.
Reopening of National Highway-2: Side-by-side with the signing, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) announced the reopening of National Highway-2 (NH-2) for the unrestricted movement of commuters and essential goods, offering full cooperation to central security forces.
Background and Timeline
August 2008 (Pact Inception): The original tripartite SoO agreement was formalised in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur government, and 24 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups (~2,200 cadres) to halt armed conflict and initiate structured peace talks.
February 2024 (Abeyance): Following ethnic clashes that broke out in Manipur in May 2023, the formal annual renewal of the agreement was placed in abeyance in early 2024 amid mutual allegations of ground-rule breaches.
2025–2026 (Negotiations & Final Renewal): Extensive deliberations led by the MHA over late 2025 and mid-2026 culminated in overhauled ground rules, paving the way for Saturday's formal renewal.
SOO GROUND RULES 2008
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