Manipur: Kukis open key NH-02 highway; Centre renews SoO pact with insurgent groups
Imphal: In a significant development ahead of a possible visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur, the Kuki Zo Council (KZC), representing sections of the Kuki and Zomi tribes, has assured the government that National Highway-02 will be reopened for unhindered travel and transport, media reports said.
The highway, considered the state’s lifeline, has been restricted since ethnic clashes erupted more than two years ago in the border state.
Confirming the decision, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the KZC has committed to cooperating with security forces to maintain peace along the highway, NDTV reported.
The assurance came after several rounds of discussions between KZC representatives and the ministry in Delhi.
Simultaneously, the Centre announced the renewal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with two umbrella organisations—the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF)—that together represent about two dozen Kuki, Zomi and Hmar insurgent groups.
The ministry underlined that the agreement would continue on the principle that “the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be touched.”
The tripartite pact, signed by the MHA, Manipur government, KNO and UPF in Delhi on Wednesday, will now be in force for one year under re-negotiated ground rules.
The revised terms include relocation of seven designated insurgent camps from conflict-prone areas, consolidation of existing camps, and shifting of weapons to the nearest CRPF or BSF facilities.
“There will be stringent physical verification of insurgents by the security forces to de-list foreign nationals, if any, and the joint monitoring group will closely monitor enforcement of ground rules,” the MHA said. “Violations [of ground rules] will be dealt with firmly in future, including review of the SoO agreement.”
The SoO framework, first formalised in 2008, requires armed cadres to remain within designated camps with weapons under lock, subject to periodic monitoring.
It is reviewed annually by a joint monitoring group.
By reopening NH-02 and extending the SoO, the government aims to create conditions conducive to lasting peace and stability in Manipur after prolonged unrest.
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