Syllabus: 

GS3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism 

Context: Recently, the revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was signed between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur government and 24 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups. 

More on the news:

• The SoO agreement, first introduced in 2005, was signed by the Centre and the Manipur government with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in August 2008 and was being renewed every year until February 28, 2024, when the renewal process was kept in abeyance.
• The SoO was kept in abeyance by the Centre following allegations of the group cadres indulging in Manipur’s ethnic clashes and providing training to the village defence volunteers, a charge that groups have vehemently denied.

Key Changes in Revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement

• Relocation of camps: As per the new agreement, Camps near highways, populated areas, or conflict zones will be relocated, ensuring they’re set away from borders and sensitive regions.
      o The agreement states that the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) shall have six camps each, instead of the 14 they operate presently. 
• Surrender of weapons: One of the key provisions is the surrender of double-locked weapons for six months, with oversight by security forces.
• Joint Monitoring Group (JMG): A new SoO clause mandates Aadhaar-based registration and physical verification of cadres by a joint monitoring group.
      o Under the 2008 SoO pact, 2,200 KNO and UPF cadres got ₹6,000 monthly, halted after the May 2023 violence.
      o The revised pact resumes it via Aadhaar-linked accounts for verified cadres, with photo IDs issued by Manipur Police.
• Political Settlement: The 2008 SoO pact said Manipur's territorial integrity would remain intact. The 2025 renewal keeps this and adds a time-bound push for a political settlement within the Constitution.
• Activity Restrictions: Groups cannot recruit new members, carry weapons outside camps, join other armed outfits, or conduct offensive operations.

Historical Background

• Manipur is home to an estimated 3.3 million people.
• More than half are Meiteis, while around 43% are Kukis and Nagas, the predominant minority tribes.

Key Reasons for Violence in Manipur:

• Colonial-Era Divide and Rule: British policies administratively separated hill and valley regions, laying the foundation for socio-political segregation that persists today.
• Ethnic Composition & Division: Manipur is home to three major groups, Meiteis (valley), Nagas, and Kukis (hills), with distinct ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, leading to long-standing inter-community tensions.
• Kuki-Naga Clashes (1990s): Violent clashes erupted between Kuki and Naga groups over territorial claims, displacing thousands and deepening ethnic fault lines.
• Demand for ST Status by Meiteis: The Meitei community has long demanded Scheduled Tribe status for land and job benefits, which is strongly opposed by hill tribes, fearing encroachment.
      o Manipur High Court’s order, April 2023 directive to consider ST status for Meiteis, acted as the immediate trigger.
• Illegal migration from Myanmar: It has heightened tensions as there is pressure on land use from a growing population and unemployment has pushed youth towards the various militias.
• Failure of Political Reconciliation: Despite ceasefire agreements like the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact, a lack of inclusive political dialogue and trust-building has led to recurring tensions and violence.

Sources:
The Hindu
Indian Express
The Hindu