The demand follows the release of a booklet documenting what the groups describe as police-verified ground-rule violations, including arson, attacks on security camps, killings, extortion and destruction of property.
BY PC Bureau
September 8, 2026: A coalition of 30 civil society organisations in Manipur has demanded that the Centre and the state government immediately abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), arguing that the ceasefire framework has failed to deliver its stated objective of ending violence and restoring the rule of law.
The organisations allege that instead of bringing armed groups under effective control, the SoO arrangement has enabled insurgent outfits to retain and, in some cases, expand their organisational, military and financial capabilities while cadres continue to violate the ground rules governing the agreements.
The demand was formalised in a joint resolution adopted following community-level discussions held from August 30 to September 5. An updated list of the 30 endorsing organisations was released on September 7.
The groups also released a booklet containing what they described as police-verified records of alleged ground-rule violations by cadres of SoO signatory organisations. The compilation lists allegations including arson, attacks on security installations, killing of security personnel, extortion, destruction of property and other criminal activities.
The organisations contend that the SoO framework, introduced in 2008, was intended to create conditions for an end to armed violence, bring cadres under a system of monitoring and discipline, and ultimately facilitate disarmament and a political settlement.
Instead, they argue, the arrangement has produced what they describe as “deeply troubling consequences”, including the continued availability of armed cadres and the erosion of public confidence in the peace process.
‘SoO has lost its purpose’
The CSOs have questioned the continued extension of the agreements, particularly the decision to renew them in 2025 despite an earlier Manipur Cabinet resolution seeking withdrawal from SoO arrangements with certain Kuki groups.
Their resolution argues that the State has a fundamental responsibility to protect life and property and cannot allow an armed organisation to enjoy what the groups describe as de facto protection from prosecution for criminal acts.
The organisations are demanding:
- immediate abrogation of the SoO agreements with the KNO and UPF;
- restoration of effective security and administrative control in affected areas;
- strict enforcement of the SoO ground rules;
- identification and arrest of cadres allegedly involved in criminal activities; and
- speedy prosecution of those against whom evidence exists.
They argue that peace cannot be sustained by repeatedly extending agreements that, in their view, have failed to prevent violence or ensure accountability.
Security operation adds urgency
The demand came as security forces carried out a major operation in Kangpokpi district on September 7.
A joint team comprising Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, women personnel and the Rapid Action Force raided an unauthorised camp at Gampum village that was reportedly linked to the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), an outfit associated with the SoO framework.
Eight cadres were apprehended during the operation and seven automatic weapons were recovered, according to reports. The camp was subsequently sealed.
For the civil society groups, the discovery of an allegedly unauthorised armed camp has reinforced their argument that the existing monitoring and ground-rule mechanisms are inadequate.
The security operation, however, is an individual enforcement action and does not by itself establish that the KNO or UPF leadership authorised any alleged violation. Any criminal liability would have to be established through investigation and due process.
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Broad coalition backs demand
The resolution has brought together a broad cross-section of civil society organisations, including student bodies, community organisations, heritage groups and platforms working on relief, rehabilitation and social issues.
Among the endorsers are the All Manipur Muslim Organizations’ Co-ordinating Committee, Meitei Alliance, Naga Peoples Union Imphal and Zeliangrong Union, besides several Imphal-based civil society organisations.
Naga Peoples Union Imphal general secretary HB Kowarhing Anal said the compilation of alleged violations was intended to place a documented record before the authorities and strengthen the demand for decisive government action.
The release was also addressed by Yazing Vicisy Shimray, convenor of the Core Committee on Relief and Rehabilitation, and researcher Munindro Longjam.
The coalition’s argument is essentially that the SoO process cannot become an end in itself.
After nearly two decades, they contend, a ceasefire arrangement designed as a pathway towards disarmament and peace cannot retain legitimacy if armed cadres continue to be accused of violence, extortion or attacks while remaining within the framework.
Their demand now puts the Centre and the Manipur government under renewed pressure to demonstrate whether the SoO mechanism remains an effective instrument for peace—or whether it has become an arrangement that requires fundamental review.
For the CSOs, the answer is clear: lasting peace in Manipur requires enforcement of the law and accountability for alleged violations, rather than another extension of an arrangement they say has failed to deliver either.
