UKHRUL: Fresh tensions in Manipur have prompted the resumption of dialogue between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the state government, and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
The meeting, held in New Delhi on Friday, comes after a gap of nearly two months and is seen as a step toward stabilizing the state’s fragile security situation following renewed ethnic flare-ups. In a joint statement, the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organization (KNO) said the talks were aimed at addressing immediate security concerns while also reviving the broader peace process.
The meeting was convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs and led by A.K. Ajit Lal, the newly appointed interlocutor for Northeast peace talks and a former senior Intelligence Bureau officer, who recently succeeded A.K. Mishra.
Senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau, security forces, and the Manipur state administration—including the Home Secretary and senior police officials—were present. Delegations from both the UPF and KNO represented Kuki-Zo armed groups participating in the SoO pact.
Discussions primarily focused on operational and security-related issues, particularly the location and functioning of designated camps housing SoO cadres. Both sides agreed on the need to relocate certain camps to reduce friction with local populations and improve overall security conditions.
Kuki-Zo leaders also raised concerns over the ongoing unrest in Ukhrul district, alleging that civilians in the region continue to live under constant fear of attacks by suspected Tangkhul militants. They claimed that several villages have been burnt in the past month, emphasizing the urgency for stronger security measures and confidence-building initiatives.
The dialogue also turned to long-standing political demands. Kuki-Zo groups reiterated their demand for a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the hill areas they inhabit, asserting that a return to the pre-conflict status quo is no longer viable.
Representatives from the UPF and KNO presented their case by highlighting historical, political, and developmental grievances. They argued that the hill regions were never part of the erstwhile Manipur princely state and had separate administrative arrangements prior to and during colonial rule. Although these areas were integrated into the Indian administrative framework under Article 371C and the Hill Areas Committee, they contended that these mechanisms have been rendered ineffective due to imbalanced political representation.
Among the key concerns raised were allegations of unequal development, with resources disproportionately allocated to the Imphal Valley, as well as severe infrastructure deficits in hill districts, including limited access to healthcare, education, roads, and drinking water.
The groups also referred to the lasting impact of the violence that began on May 3, 2023, which they described as an episode of large-scale ethnic targeting of Kuki-Zo communities in Imphal and other valley districts. According to their claims, the violence resulted in the deaths of nearly 250 civilians, widespread displacement, destruction of homes, and significant economic losses.
They further highlighted the plight of internally displaced persons still living in relief camps, citing inadequate compensation for rebuilding homes. Additionally, they expressed concern over what they described as a lack of accountability, alleging that those responsible for violence against Kuki-Zo legislators, officials, and civilians have yet to be brought to justice.
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The resumption of talks signals a renewed attempt by all stakeholders to address both immediate security challenges and the deeper political issues underpinning the ongoing conflict in Manipur.