Imphal, August 17: The Manipur Government has warned Kuki-Zomi armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement of strict disciplinary and legal action if their cadres are found violating the agreement’s ground rules.
In a confidential communication dated August 7, 2026, addressed to the Chairman/Secretary of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar drew attention to allegations that cadres of Kuki-Zomi groups under the SoO arrangement were involved in recent ethnic clashes in the state.
The letter stated that investigations into the allegations were underway and cautioned that, if established, such activities would undermine the purpose of the SoO agreement and raise serious questions over the continuation of the arrangement.
According to the communication, the alleged violations include cadres reportedly deserting designated camps, entering conflict-affected areas with weapons and participating in attacks. The government described such conduct as a breach of the agreement’s ground rules.
The Home Department further warned that any SoO cadre found carrying weapons outside designated camps or engaging in unlawful activities would be dealt with under the law.
The government also made it clear that if such violations were found to have occurred with the knowledge or connivance of the leadership of an armed group, penal action could be considered against the organisation itself.
The communication was marked to several senior officials, including the Governor’s Secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretary, Minister (Home), Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Manipur, and Joint Secretary (North East), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
The warning comes amid continuing security concerns and renewed scrutiny of the SoO framework and the conduct of groups operating under the agreement in the context of Manipur’s prolonged ethnic conflict.
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