In a crucial follow-up to two rounds of talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Kuki-Zo leaders—including civil society bodies, representatives of the SoO groups (KNO and UPF), and elected MLAs—will convene in Kangpokpi to deliberate on the Government of India’s proposals.
PC Bureau
June 18, 2025 —The Kuki-Zo leadership, including civil society organizations, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and representatives of the two umbrella groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement—the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF)—will hold a large-scale meeting in Kangpokpi on Wednesday, June 19.. The agenda is to deliberate on the outcome of the recent peace talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) held on June 9 and June 16 in New Delhi.
This upcoming meeting is similar in scale and intent to last month’s Guwahati convention, where the Kuki-Zo leadership unanimously agreed that future negotiations with the Centre would be represented by members of the SoO groups. Four representatives each from KNO and UPF participated in Monday’s dialogue, chaired by A.K. Mishra, the MHA Advisor on Northeast Affairs.
One of the key issues on the table in Kangpokpi will be the response of the Kuki-Zo leadership to the MHA’s proposal to consolidate and relocate several SoO-designated camps. While the Centre has proposed the restructuring to improve logistical oversight, the Kuki-Zo side has expressed concern about ensuring the safety of tribal populations in areas surrounding the camps.
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Under the existing SoO framework, there are 14 designated camps—seven each under KNO and UPF—spread across Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts. Sources confirmed that both sides agreed to close four camps (two from each group) as part of a restructuring initiative, pending approval from ground-level security agencies.
UPF spokesperson Aaron Kipgen has gone on record that the talks did not touch upon political negotiations or highway-related issues. “The discussions were confined to SoO ground rules and technical matters. Any political dialogue will depend on a clear commitment from the Government of India,” he said.
The Kuki-Zo meeting in Kangpokpi is also expected to address the community’s broader political strategy amid increased activity around potential government formation in Manipur. While Meitei political groups are moving towards reconstituting the state government, the Kuki-Zo MLAs and leadership remain undecided on participation.
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SAHILCA’s Warning Against Camp Relocation
The Kangpokpi meeting comes amid growing opposition from the traditional Kuki leadership. On June 15, the Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association (SAHILCA), which represents tribal chiefs in Kangpokpi district, issued a strongly worded statement rejecting any relocation of SoO camps.
SAHILCA argued that the camps are located on ancestral land and are integral to the peace process. “Relocating these camps under pressure from the dominant community would be an act of betrayal and majoritarian appeasement,” the statement read. It warned that dismantling the camps could erode trust and fuel further conflict.
“The peace process is distinct from the current ethnic conflict. Any attempt to conflate the two undermines both logic and legitimacy,” SAHILCA asserted, adding that “tribal dignity, land rights, and historical memory” must be respected.
