Manipur Govt Seeks Strict SoO Ground Rules, Warns of Penal Action

Imphal, August 17, 2026: The Manipur Government has warned Kuki-Zomi militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement to strictly adhere to the prescribed Ground Rules, following allegations that some cadres were involved in recent ethnic clashes in the state.

In a confidential letter dated August 7, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar urged the leadership of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) to ensure strict compliance with the SoO agreement.

The letter said serious allegations had been made that cadres of Kuki-Zomi groups under the SoO arrangement with the Government of India and the Manipur Government were involved in the violence. It noted that investigations by the concerned agencies were still underway.

According to the government, the alleged activities, if established, would undermine the purpose of the SoO agreement. The letter alleged that cadres had deserted designated camps, moved into conflict zones with weapons and participated in attacks, describing such actions as a breach of the agreement.

The government further warned that any cadre found violating the Ground Rules, carrying weapons outside designated camps or engaging in unlawful activities would face action under the law.

It also cautioned that if such activities were found to have occurred with the knowledge or connivance of the leadership of a militant group, the government could consider penal action against the group itself.

Copies of the communication were marked to senior officials, including the Governor's Secretariat, Chief Minister's Secretariat, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Joint Secretary (Northeast) of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Security Adviser to the Manipur Government.