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Govt-Kuki Talks and the Prospects of Free Movement in Manipur
Govt-Kuki Talks Offer Hope for Free Movement in Conflict-Hit Manipur
Context: The Government is nearing an agreement with Kuki militant groups under the SoO pact to allow free movement of people and goods across Manipur — a key step toward restoring peace and normalcy in the conflict-hit state.
What is the Government currently negotiating with Kuki militant groups in Manipur?
- The Government is negotiating with Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement to allow free movement of people and goods across Manipur.
- This is considered a key step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state after two years of ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis.
Why is free movement across Manipur significant?
When did the Government first attempt to implement free movement, and what happened?
- Free movement was announced as a priority soon after the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025. Union Home Minister Amit Shah set a deadline of March 8 to resume movement.
- However, the initiative was shelved after Kuki groups opposed the move and gunfire broke out targeting a state transport bus in Kangpokpi, which was seen as a provocative action by Meiteis planning a “march to the hills.”
- Since May 2023, ethnic violence has geographically separated the two communities — Meiteis have remained in the Imphal Valley, while Kukis retreated to the hill areas. Both areas became inaccessible “no-go zones” for the other community, affecting not only civilian mobility but also the flow of essential goods, especially into the landlocked Valley.
- Restoring free movement is essential for economic recovery, civilian confidence, and rebuilding trust.
Where are the SoO groups based, and how are their locations being addressed?
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- There are 14 Kuki SoO camps, most of them deep inside the hills, but some are close to the fringes of the Imphal Valley.
- Meitei groups have accused these fringe camps of being launchpads for attacks, a charge denied by Kuki leaders. In response, the Centre is negotiating two key proposals:
- Shifting camps away from the Valley.
- Clubbing smaller camps into larger, consolidated ones.
Who is facilitating the talks, and what is the current atmosphere for dialogue?
- The talks are being conducted by the Union Home Ministry, which sees the ongoing discussions as part of its broader peacebuilding framework in Manipur.
- Officials note that since President’s Rule, there has been a decline in violence and a mellowing of aggressive postures from both sides, creating a conducive environment for agreement.
What are some recent positive signs indicating progress towards reconciliation?
- A Meitei group appealed for safe passage for the family of a Kuki woman who died in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
- Kuki groups allowed Meitei civilians to pass through their areas peacefully during the Shirui Lily festival.
- SoO groups have shown openness to compromise on the camp location issue.
Why would Meitei groups support the free movement initiative?
What other peace efforts are underway apart from talks with SoO groups?
- The Government is also working with the UNLF (United National Liberation Front) — a Meitei militant outfit — following a peace deal signed in November 2023. The Government is:
- Erecting designated camps for UNLF cadres.
- Issuing ID cards to its members as part of demobilisation and reintegration efforts.
- Government sources claim that Meitei civilians have suffered the most due to restricted road access through the hills.At present, they can only leave Manipur by air, which is expensive and logistically difficult. Resuming road connectivity would restore essential supply chains and normalise civilian life.
What is the broader goal of these initiatives?
- The ultimate goal is to rebuild social trust, restore peace, and initiate long-term reconciliation in Manipur.
- By ensuring free movement, addressing security concerns from both communities, and integrating militant groups into a peace process, the Government hopes to lay the groundwork for inclusive governance and conflict resolution.
What’s next in the peace process?
A formal agreement on free movement is expected soon, contingent on final discussions with SoO groups. If successful, it would mark a major breakthrough in resolving the ethnic divide in Manipur and restoring law and order across both the Valley and the hills.
