Manipur authorities have been conducting monthly inspections of Kuki-Zo militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, mentioned Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the Assembly. These inspections, held jointly by the Central and State Government representatives, aim to ensure compliance with the SoO terms.
The SoO agreement, initially signed in 2008 by the Centre, the Manipur Government, and two major Kuki militant groups — the Kuki National Organisation or KNO and the United People’s Front or UPF — has been periodically renewed. It includes the formation of a Joint Monitoring Group-JMG tasked with overseeing adherence to the agreement’s guidelines.
In response to a question from Congress MLA Surjakumar Okram, Biren Singh stated that monthly joint inspections are routinely carried out to monitor the militants and their weaponry. The most recent inspection took place on July 19. He noted that the re-verification of militants in 2013-14 revealed a total of 2,181 individuals divided between the KNO, which encompasses 17 groups, and the UPF, which includes eight groups.
Addressing concerns raised by Congress MLA K Meghachandra, the CM confirmed that monthly stipends are periodically disbursed to the SoO groups’ representatives. However, payments have been on hold since 2022 due to ongoing account verifications.
In response to Congress MLA K Ranjit’s inquiry about armed village volunteers, Biren Singh explained that many youths had taken up arms out of frustration. While there were instances of inadequate security due to sudden outbreaks of violence, central and state forces were quickly mobilised to address these issues.
The Manipur CM asserted that due to confidentiality policies, the total number of village volunteers cannot be disclosed, but efforts are underway to encourage them to surrender their weapons.
He highlighted recent developments, including the return of approximately 133 individuals to their homes in Jiribam district, following violence. The ongoing ethnic conflict between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur has resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of displacements since May of the previous year.
