Ahead of Modi's visit, pact likely to halt operations against Manipur groups

NEW DELHI: In a positive development days ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur , the Centre, Manipur govt and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups are likely to reach an agreement on Thursday on extending the suspension of operations (SOO) among them. The SOO pact was signed in 2008 and renewed from time to time. However, it has not been renewed since Feb 2024 due to the ethnic strife that Manipur has witnessed for more than two years. Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Manipur, in what will be his first visit to the state since ethnic violence broke out there in May 2023, on Sept 12 or 13.

The Centre's interlocutor team, comprising officials of the Intelligence Bureau and home ministry, held talks with representatives of the Kuki-Zo groups here on Wednesday, with the discussions likely to continue on Thursday. Sources said the talks were positive and the SOO is likely to be renewed as they conclude on Thursday.

Sources said the terms of SOO may be tweaked to relocate the Kuki-Zo camps, to which their arms must be confined, and have the remuneration due to Kuki-Zo cadres deposited directly into their individual bank accounts. Earlier, this remuneration was handed over to some leaders who would pass it on to the cadres.

The signing of the SOO is also set to have a positive impact on peace efforts in Manipur , in that it may specifically require Kuki-Zo groups to abjure violence and not brandish weapons outside their designated camps. The talks here will also persuade them to allow Meiteis to move freely on National Highway 2. In return, Kuki-Zo people can access Imphal and airport.