Kuki-Zo Civil Bodies, MLAs Suspend Talks with Centre

Ukhrul, May 16: The Kuki-Zo civil society organizations (CSOs), elected legislators, and representatives of militant groups under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements have collectively decided to halt all engagements with the Indian central government.

The decision was made during a closed-door meeting held in Guwahati on Friday where participants resolved not to resume talks until the government initiates a substantive political dialogue that includes all key stakeholders from their community.

“The joint meeting of the MLAs, CSOs and SoO groups today at Guwahati resolved that until the resumption of substantive political dialogue by the Government of India with SoO groups, the CSOs and elected representatives shall no longer engage with the Government of India or its representatives,” a statement issued by the convener said.

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The meeting brought together several Kuki MLAs from Manipur, leaders of various CSOs, and representatives from Kuki militant groups currently observing SoO agreements. The Kuki-Zo community has been advocating for greater political autonomy and recognition pushing for a Separate Administration.

It is worth noting that the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meetei/Meitei civil body in the valley and Manipur government before the imposition of President’s Rule had fiercely advocated not to extend the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) terms with Kuki based militant groups. The SoO have been extended periodically since 2008, when it was first signed, between the Centre, the Manipur government, and two conglomerates of Kuki militant outfits, namely, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).