The ZRO Cabinet has unanimously resolved to shut down Mt. Sinai Camp in Songtal—one of its three designated armed group camps. Is this the turning point in peace negotiations with the MHA?
August 1, 2025 —In a significant development that could impact ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) negotiations with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Zomi Re-Unification Organisation (ZRO) has resolved to shut down one of its three designated camps—Mt. Sinai Camp in Songtal.
The decision was taken during a ZRO Cabinet Meeting held on August 1, 2025, at the organization’s headquarters in Ciimnuai. The meeting involved a detailed review of ZRO’s position regarding its armed wings—namely the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), Zomi Defence Volunteers (ZDV), and Zomi Revolutionary Front (ZRF)—and their designated camps.
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Vice President-1 of the ZRO, Kenneth Muan, who signed the statement, confirmed that the Cabinet “unanimously resolved to close one of the three designated camps viz. Mt. Sinai Camp, Songtal.” The statement added that this decision came after “prolonged discussion and deliberation” and that top government officials have already been informed.
The ZRA, which functions as the armed wing of the ZRO, has been under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Indian government since 2005, alongside other Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups. The tripartite SoO agreement, signed by the Centre, the state government, and the insurgent groups, allows these groups to stay in designated camps, suspend armed operations, and pursue their demands through peaceful dialogue.
However, in recent months, the Union Home Ministry has been reportedly frustrated with alleged violations of the SoO ground rules, delayed political dialogue, and rising public discontent in Manipur and Mizoram.
The ZRO’s decision to shut down the Mt. Sinai Camp could be interpreted in several ways:
- Gesture of Good Faith: By proactively closing one of its camps, the ZRO may be signaling its commitment to peace and willingness to comply with the Centre’s expectations, especially regarding downsizing militant infrastructure.
- Internal Consolidation: The move could also reflect an internal restructuring of its armed groups, possibly to prepare for deeper talks or a phased withdrawal from insurgency.
- Pressure on MHA: The closure may act as a diplomatic lever, showing that the ZRO is taking concrete steps—potentially encouraging the MHA to expedite long-pending political settlements, such as statehood or territorial councils for Zomi-Kuki groups.
- Security Calculations: On the flip side, the reduction of designated camps could be a response to heightened security operations or intelligence inputs warning of consequences if violations continue.
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The closure of Mt. Sinai Camp, if followed by similar actions from other SoO groups, could create a new opening for the stalled peace dialogue process. However, without parallel political assurances from the Centre, it may also spark uncertainty within the cadres and communities aligned with ZRO.
All eyes will now be on the MHA and whether this step is reciprocated with renewed rounds of talks or concrete proposals for the political aspirations of the Zomi-Kuki people.
