New Delhi, May 1, 2026: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday resumed talks with Kuki-Zo armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, with the demand for a Union Territory with a legislature emerging as a key issue during the discussions.
 |
| KNO and UPF delegates during previous talks in New Delhi under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework. (File photo) |
The meeting in New Delhi was chaired by Ajit Lal and attended by officials from the Intelligence Bureau, security agencies, and the Manipur government, including Home Secretary N Ashok Kumar and Additional Director General of Police Ashutosh Kumar Sinha. Delegations from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), which together represent 24 insurgent groups under the SoO pact, participated in the dialogue.
The talks resumed after a gap of nearly two months and were the first formal engagement attended by Manipur government officials since the restoration of an elected government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand earlier this year.
According to a joint statement issued by KNO and UPF, the day-long meeting was held in two sessions. The first session focused on operational and security issues, particularly the location and functioning of designated camps housing SoO cadres. Both sides broadly agreed on the need to relocate certain camps to reduce friction with local populations and improve security management.
The government has proposed relocating seven of the 14 designated camps, while the Kuki-Zo groups indicated their willingness to consolidate the camps to 12 locations.
During the post-lunch session, Kuki-Zo representatives reiterated their long-standing political demand for a Union Territory with a legislature for the hill areas they inhabit, arguing that the scale of ethnic violence and the breakdown of trust between communities since May 2023 had made a return to the pre-conflict status quo untenable.
The groups also raised concerns over continuing unrest in Ukhrul district, alleging threats to Kuki civilians and incidents of villages being burnt in recent weeks amid tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities.
ÁLSO READ: Drunken Brawl Led to Ethnic Clashes Between Kuki and Tangkhul Nagas: Former Assam Rifles DG
Interlocutor Ajit Lal assured the delegations that their concerns and political demands would be conveyed to higher authorities. The Centre reiterated that its immediate priority remains restoring peace and stability in Manipur through deployment of Central forces where necessary, rationalisation of camps, and continued dialogue within the constitutional framework.
Officials said the resumption of talks is an important step in efforts to stabilise the security situation in Manipur and revive the peace process following renewed unrest in parts of the state.
