A controversial Thadou delegation’s talks with Meitei CSOs opposing the SoO have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning their grassroots support and motives.
BY PC Bureau
, August 6: A breakthrough in the protracted negotiations between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Kuki-Zo groups appears imminent, with both sides reaching the final stage of talks regarding the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement that covers nearly 24 armed Kuki-Zo outfits.
According to top sources, consensus has been reached between SoO groups and the Centre on the ground rules for the extension of the SoO pact. The MHA will finalise the blueprint and a formal announcement will be made in due course.
Crucially, both parties have agreed on all major issues, which are important for a way forward in restoring peace and security in the region and paving the way for discussing the political demand of the tribal community for Union Territory.
The extension of the ceasefire arrangement is seen as a crucial step toward restoring order in ethnic violence-hit Manipur and precursor to the further dialogues on political demand of the KuKi-zo communities.
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Incidentally,
 both parties have agreed that extending the SoO agreement must take precedence over discussions on broader Kuki-Zo political demands.
A delegation from the Kuki-Zo Coordination Committee (KZC), led by Chairman Pu Henlianthang Thanglet and comprising eight senior leaders from various Kuki-Zo tribes, also held detailed discussions with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
According to sources, the talks covered a broad range of topics, including the proposal for a cessation of hostilities and paving the way for “free’ movement of civilians and goods along the national highways in Manipur.
On the MHA’s proposal for a “cessation of hostilities,” KZC leaders reportedly clarified that their community did not initiate the hostilities. Calling the expression a “misnomer.” they suggested renaming it a “stop violence agreement” instead.
Discussions also touched upon the MHA’s proposal to create an amicable atmosphere to ensure unrestricted movement along national highways, as well as the importance of maintaining buffer zones to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
.“The KZC delegation emphasized the importance of broader public consultation before any final decisions are made,” said a senior KZC leader. “The MHA acknowledged these concerns and expressed willingness to continue discussions in the near future.”
In a parallel development, a 17-member Thadou Inpi delegation led by Michael Lamjathang has arrived in the Imphal valley and is holding talks with prominent Meitei valley-based civil society organisations (CSOs). These organisations have been vocally opposing the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and are expected to hold a press conference to formally articulate their position.
Notably, the Thadou group led by Michael Lamjathang is reported to have minimal support among the broader Thadou community. Observers note that Meitei civil society organisations (CSOs) have strategically involved Lamjathang in the talks to create the impression of a broader, cross-community consensus against the extension of the SoO agreement—suggesting that even sections of the tribal population are opposed to it. Lamjathang has long been aligned with Meitei interests and is known for his close ties with former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. In the past, he has appeared at press conferences alongside Meitei CSOs and echoed their positions, drawing strong criticism from Kuki-Zo groups and sections of the Thadou community who see his stance as unrepresentative and politically opportunistic.
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Social media users, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), have openly challenged Lamjathang to visit the hill regions he claims to represent—an invitation seen as a litmus test of his legitimacy among his own people. “ Some fringe self-proclaimed Thadou leaders have betrayed their own people , forgetting that Kui-zo people were brutally killed and their women  paraded naked on the streets of Imphal and raped and lynched. History will never forgive them,” said a senior leader of a Kuki-Zo CSO.
This marks the first official visit by a Tribal delegation to the valley since the ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023.
According to sources, the Thadou delegation’s engagement with valley-based CSOs is also aimed at mounting pressure on the MHA to reconsider or delay the formal declaration of the SoO extension, as some valley groups remain wary of the implications of the agreement.
The latest developments indicate a significant step forward in resolving the deep-seated tensions in Manipur, although the road to lasting peace will depend on continued dialogue, mutual trust, and accountability on both sides.
