Syllabus:
GS3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism
Context:
Recently, the revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was signed between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur government and 24 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups.
More on the news:
- The SoO agreement, first introduced in 2005, was signed by the Centre and the Manipur government with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in August 2008 and was being renewed every year until February 28, 2024, when the renewal process was kept in abeyance.
- The SoO was kept in abeyance by the Centre following allegations of the group cadres indulging in Manipur’s ethnic clashes and providing training to the village defence volunteers, a charge that groups have vehemently denied.
Key Changes in Revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement
- Relocation of camps: As per the new agreement,Camps near highways, populated areas, or conflict zones will be relocated, ensuring they’re set away from borders and sensitive regions.
- The agreement states that the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) shall have six camps each, instead of the 14 they operate presently.
- Surrender of weapons: One of the key provisions is the surrender of double-locked weapons for six months, with oversight by security forces.
- Joint Monitoring Group (JMG): A new SoO clause mandates Aadhaar-based registration and physical verification of cadres by a joint monitoring group.
- Under the 2008 SoO pact, 2,200 KNO and UPF cadres got ₹6,000 monthly, halted after the May 2023 violence.
- The revised pact resumes it via Aadhaar-linked accounts for verified cadres, with photo IDs issued by Manipur Police.
- Political Settlement: The 2008 SoO pact said Manipur’s territorial integrity would remain intact. The 2025 renewal keeps this and adds a time-bound push for a political settlement within the Constitution.
- Activity Restrictions: Groups cannot recruit new members, carry weapons outside camps, join other armed outfits, or conduct offensive operations.
Historical Background
- Manipur is home to an estimated 3.3 million people.
- More than half are Meiteis, while around 43% are Kukis and Nagas, the predominant minority tribes.
| Community | Region | Religion | Demand/Concern |
| Meiteis | Imphal Valley | Mostly Hindu | Seeking ST status to access land and job benefits |
| Kukis | Hill districts | Mostly Christian | Fear loss of land rights, political marginalization if Meitesis get ST status |
| Nagas | Hill Districts (North Manipur) | Mostly Christian | Demand for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas into Greater Nagalim |
Key Reasons for Violence in Manipur:
- Colonial-Era Divide and Rule: British policies administratively separated hill and valley regions, laying the foundation for socio-political segregation that persists today.
- Ethnic Composition & Division: Manipur is home to three major groups, Meiteis (valley), Nagas, and Kukis (hills), with distinct ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, leading to long-standing inter-community tensions.
- Kuki-Naga Clashes (1990s): Violent clashes erupted between Kuki and Naga groups over territorial claims, displacing thousands and deepening ethnic fault lines.
- Demand for ST Status by Meiteis: The Meitei community has long demanded Scheduled Tribe status for land and job benefits, which is strongly opposed by hill tribes, fearing encroachment.
- Manipur High Court’s order, April 2023 directive to consider ST status for Meiteis, acted as the immediate trigger.
- Illegal migration from Myanmar: It has heightened tensions as there is pressure on land use from a growing population and unemployment has pushed youth towards the various militias.
- Failure of Political Reconciliation: Despite ceasefire agreements like the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact, a lack of inclusive political dialogue and trust-building has led to recurring tensions and violence.
Sources:
The Hindu
Indian Express
The Hindu