SoO Pact With Kuki-Zo Groups in Manipur Yet to be Extended by Centre

Gist The Union Home Ministry has not extended the Suspension of Operations SoO agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur following its expiration on September 4. The Centre has placed the pact in abeyance, stipulating that it will only be renewed once all weapons are completely surrendered by the insurgent factions. For UPSC aspirants, this highlights the fragile internal security dynamics in the Northeast and the administrative challenges of sustaining peace accords amidst complex, multi-ethnic conflicts involving Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities. Background The Suspension of Operations SoO is a tripartite ceasefire agreement originally signed in 2008 between the Union Home Ministry , the Manipur government , and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups. The agreement was established following severe Kuki-Naga ethnic clashes in the 1990s, with the insurgent groups originally demanding an independent homeland for the Kuki-Zo people. The insurgent factions are primarily represented by two umbrella organisations: the United Peoples' Front UPF and the Kuki National Organisation KNO , which collectively comprise 24 insurgent groups . Under the mechanism of the pact, insurgent cadres are required to stay in designated SoO…