Meitei Group Opposes Extension of SoO Pact with Kuki-Zo Groups in Manipur

Quick Summary

• The Coordinating Committee on Manipur integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society group, has rejected the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact between the Government of India, Manipur’s governance under President’s Rule, and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups.
• COCOMI alleges that this decision undermines democracy by overriding resolutions taken by Manipur’s democratically elected government and Legislative Assembly in 2023 and 2024 too abrogate the SoO agreement.
• The pact was signed despite concerns raised about “terrorist and criminal acts” allegedly committed by Kuki-Zo insurgents during ongoing ethnic violence.
• Under renegotiated terms,the kuki-Zo Council has agreed to reopen National Highway-2 for free movement of goods and people through Kangpokpi district.
• Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023 has resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people. Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025.
• BJP legislator Y. Khemchand Singh welcomed the highway reopening as progress toward normalcy but called for communal harmony moving forward.

Indian opinion Analysis

The SoO pact’s extension presents complex challenges for peacebuilding in ethnically volatile Manipur. While reopening National Highway-2 is a pragmatic step toward restoring essential connectivity, tensions remain high due to unresolved grievances from both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. COCOMI’s accusations highlight fears among local stakeholders that central-level decisions disregard regional autonomy or democratic mandates.

The government’s intentions to maintain order during PM Modi’s visit signal urgency at addressing unrest; though,using tactical agreements with insurgent groups risks alienating other factions like COCOMI that perceive these moves as legitimizing past violence or narco-terrorism allegations. For meaningful reconciliation, all sides must prioritize inclusive dialog bridging fractured trust while safeguarding constitutional integrity.

Read more