IMPHAL, June 17: In a significant development in Manipur’s ongoing conflict resolution process, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups reached an understanding on the closure and relocation of certain camps operated by the groups, during a high-level meeting held on Monday, June 16.

The dialogue marks the resumption of formal talks between the Centre and the Kuki-Zo groups after a two-year hiatus. The insurgent factions, represented under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, had reinitiated discussions with the MHA on June 9, following the pact’s lapse on February 29, 2024, when the Manipur government withdrew from the tripartite deal.

A senior government official revealed that security agencies have recommended shutting down seven out of the 14 existing camps — mostly located near Meitei-inhabited foothill regions — in a bid to reduce tensions and improve security. The MHA also emphasized the need to recover looted arms and fully reopen National Highways 2 and 37, lifelines connecting Imphal valley to Nagaland and Assam through Kuki-Zo-dominated hill areas.

“Key agreements have been reached on modifying ground rules, including closing camps and ensuring safe passage through highways,” the official said. However, no deadline has been set for the extension of the SoO pact, as it remains contingent upon adherence to revised ground conditions.

Representatives of the SoO groups, including the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) — umbrella bodies for 25 insurgent outfits — noted that the terms of engagement must evolve given the changing political landscape since the ethnic clashes of May 3, 2023.

“We have also proposed certain plans to the MHA, which involve the security forces. The closure of camps is under discussion. When we signed the pact in 2008, a drill was followed to finalise the ground rules; the same process is being followed now,” a SoO representative said.

The SoO camps house around 2,200 cadres, who live in 14 designated camps in the hill districts of Manipur. The Cadre are entitled to a monthly stipend of ₹6,000 — payments that have reportedly ceased since last year’s violence. The groups had earlier demanded autonomy for Kuki-Zo councils, but post-2023, their primary demand has shifted toward the creation of a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly for Kuki-Zo areas.

The next round of negotiations is expected in 15 days.