During resumed SoO talks in New Delhi, KNO and UPF leaders said trust has collapsed after the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence, making a return to the old system impossible.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 1, 2026:Kuki-Zo representatives have told the Ministry of Home Affairs that granting Union Territory status with a legislature is the only viable solution for ensuring long-term peace and stability in Manipur.
During the resumed Suspension of Operations (SoO) talks in New Delhi, leaders from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) argued that the breakdown of trust following the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence has made a return to the pre-2023 status quo impossible.
They cited longstanding grievances over political underrepresentation, uneven development, and persistent security concerns in hill areas, asserting that a separate administrative arrangement is essential to safeguard their communities.
Talks Resume After Two-Month Pause
The बैठक between the Centre and Kuki-Zo armed groups under the SoO framework resumed on April 30 after nearly two months, amid renewed tensions and sporadic unrest in parts of the state. The meeting, held in New Delhi, was the first formal engagement since fresh flare-ups were reported.
The dialogue was led by A.K. Ajit Lal, the newly appointed interlocutor for Northeast peace talks and a former Intelligence Bureau officer. Senior officials from central agencies, security forces, and the Manipur state administration were also present.
Two-Phase Discussions: Security and Political Tracks
Pre-lunch session:
Discussions focused on operational and security issues, particularly the functioning and location of designated camps housing SoO cadres. Both sides broadly agreed on the need to rationalise and, where necessary, relocate certain camps to reduce friction with local populations and strengthen security arrangements.
Kuki-Zo leaders also raised concerns about the situation in Ukhrul district, stating that their civilian population continues to face threats from suspected militant elements. They alleged that several villages inhabited by Kuki-Zo communities have been burnt in recent weeks, and called for urgent security intervention and confidence-building measures.
Post-lunch session:
The focus shifted to political demands, with Kuki-Zo groups reiterating their position that Union Territory status with a legislature remains the only sustainable solution.
Key Grievances and Demands
KNO and UPF representatives presented a detailed account of historical and structural concerns. They argued that the hill areas had distinct administrative arrangements prior to and during colonial rule and were not fully integrated into the erstwhile Manipur princely state in the same manner as the valley.
They further contended that post-independence mechanisms such as Article 371C and the Hill Areas Committee have failed to ensure equitable governance, citing imbalances in political representation.
Among the major concerns raised:
- Alleged unequal allocation of resources favouring the Imphal Valley
- Severe infrastructure gaps in hill districts, including healthcare, education, roads, and basic services
- The humanitarian fallout of the 2023 violence, including deaths, displacement, and destruction of property
- Ongoing hardships faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom remain in relief camps with limited rehabilitation support
- Lack of accountability for violence against Kuki-Zo civilians, public representatives, and officials
The groups emphasized that the scale of violence and erosion of trust since 2023 have made any return to the earlier status quo untenable.
SoO Group Statement: UPFKNO_may1
Government Response and Way Forward
Interlocutor A.K. Ajit Lal assured the delegations that their concerns and demands would be conveyed to the highest levels of government. He reiterated that the Centre’s immediate priority remains stabilising the situation on the ground through deployment of central forces, effective camp management, and ensuring a complete cessation of violence.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to continued dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement within the constitutional framework
The resumption of talks comes at a critical juncture, with recent incidents underscoring the fragile security environment in Manipur. Officials see the renewed engagement as an important step toward de-escalation, rebuilding trust, and preventing further violence.
The outcome of the ongoing dialogue is expected to significantly shape future peace-building efforts in the state, as stakeholders seek a durable and inclusive resolution to one of the most serious ethnic conflicts in Manipur’s recent history.
