Central Govt, SoO groups likely to hold talks on June 9
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 07 2025: The Central Government is likely to hold a meeting with leaders of armed Kuki SoO groups in Delhi on June 9, possibly to discuss extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, said a highly reliable source.

For the meeting on June 9, Government of India's Interlocutor, AK Mishra has sent invites to leaders of KNO/KNA and UPF-umbrella bodies of SoO Kuki groups, said the source.

While the exact agenda of the meeting has not been revealed, the Centre and the SoO groups are likely to discuss possible extension of the agreement, added the source.

This development came amid rising demand from the public to abrogate the SoO agreement, especially after the ongoing violent conflict broke out on May 3, 2023.Amid the conflict, the Kuki SoO groups have been accused of violating the ground rules of the agreement, and its cadres have been reportedly killed in gunfights amid the conflict in Manipur.

The SoO cadres have been accused of kidnapping civilians, injuring and killing civilians and security forces, and extorting money from vehicles on highways.

The SoO agreement with 25 Kuki armed groups was last extended for a year until February 29, 2024.Notably, the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement has been controversial from the beginning with former Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi publicly revealing that the Assam Rifles had entered into SoO agreement with the Kuki groups without the knowledge of the State Government.

Without consulting the Manipur Government, the Assam Rifles had signed the agreement with Kuki groups on August 1, 2005.The SoO pact became a tripartite agreement on August 22, 2008 with the Manipur Government, Government of India and the umbrella Kuki armed groups signing the agreement.

The agreement is renewed/extended yearly.

A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) monitors the SoO groups.

The JMG has members from Centre's MHA, Army and paramilitary forces who do not report to the State Chief Minister.

As per inspection done by the Joint Monitoring Group on July 19, 2024, the KNO and UPF combined had a total of 2181 cadres.

A Hindustan Times report said that the average attendance of cadres in the designated camps was around 60% .

The terms of the SoO agreement are---
Cadres of the militant groups to stay in designated camps.

The routine administration of the camp will be in the hands of the group.

The cadres are paid a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000.Such camps will not be located close to populated areas and National Highways.

Also, such camps are to be located far away from international borders.

A complete list of the cadres of the UG group is provided to the special branch of state police with name, date of birth along with latest photographs.

All cadres are issued identity cards.

Leaders/cadres from the group requiring frequent movement, will be given different photo identity cards by IGP (Intelligence) Manipur.

The JMG decides the list of the leaders of the group who shall be allowed to have PSOs.

They cannot have more than 5 PSOs.

No more than 20% of cadres will be allowed to leave the camp at any given time.

The State Government and JMG members can conduct inspections at the camp to check for violations.

All weapons will be held within the camp's armoury in a double locking system, with one key being with the group and other, with the concerned security force.

Cadres will not be allowed to acquire additional arms, ammunition or military equipment.

They will not be allowed to carry fresh recruitment of cadres or raise additional military/civil outfits/front organisations or try to run its own Government.

They will not undertake offensive operations against the security forces or the public.

They will not construct memorials, hoist flags or carry out parades of armed cadres.

In case of any violation, the State Government can cancel the SoO but this can be done only on the recommendation of the JMG .

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