Centre, Kuki groups focus on revision of ground rules laid down in 2008 pact

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) on Friday held talks with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups. In the third such meeting since June 9 to discuss changes in the ground rules of the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement, they primarily discussed consolidation of camps and their relocation, said sources.

In the previous two meetings held on June 9 and June 16, issues like opening of highways and surrender of weapons were discussed between the Centre and the insurgent groups .

The talks, which were impacted due to the May 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, had resumed last month in Delhi after a gap of two years. The insurgent groups have reportedly reiterated their demand for a union territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.

However, a representative of the Kuki groups told The Tribune that there have been substantial progress since the talks resumed on June 9 with the Centre.

The insurgent groups, who have been involved in peace talks with the Centre since 2008, have conveyed their concerns about ground rules violations and were also asked to shut down or relocate camps close to the Meitei-inhabited areas. Several of these camps by Kuki groups are illegally situated, due to which they face practical difficulties like water shortage.

The MHA is reviewing ground rules of the SoO agreement and more rounds of talks are expected to take place later this month, the sources said.

The SoO agreement, in place since 2008, has been periodically extended each year, except on February 29, 2024, when the Manipur Government pulled out from the tripartite pact, with the MHA and SoO groups being the other two signatories.

Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh has repeatedly claimed that ethnic violence in the state had erupted due to the violation of ground rules that were agreed upon in 2008 when the SoO was inked. Subsequently, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 this year.

In Friday’s meeting, representatives of two major Kuki groups namely United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), were present, while the MHA team comprised of Intelligence Bureau as well as ministry officials.

Around 2,200 cadres of the SoO groups comprising United People’s Front and the Kuki National Organisation live in 14 designated camps in the hill districts. They are entitled to a stipend of Rs 6,000 per month which has not been paid since the violence erupted.

India