Manipur Peace Pact Turns Sour: Why No Side is Happy
- MediaFx
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
TL;DRThe Centre renewed its Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups in Manipur, adding strict rules like relocation of camps, verification of fighters, and a promise to keep highways open. But instead of relief, both Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities are frustrated. Kuki-Zo feel betrayed as their demand for separate administration is ignored, while Meiteis feel left out of the talks. Common people still see no justice, no safety, and no real solution.
What’s in the New Deal?
The SoO agreement, first signed in 2008, was meant to keep the guns silent between the government and Kuki-Zo groups. After the violent ethnic clashes of 2023, the state is still divided — Meiteis in the valley, Kuki-Zo in the hills.
The renewed pact brings:
Relocation of armed group camps away from sensitive zones.
Verification of cadres and removal of foreign nationals.
A firm statement that Manipur’s territorial integrity will not be touched.
Highway NH-02 to remain open for free movement of goods and people.
Why Kuki-Zo Are Unhappy
For the Kuki-Zo community, the pact feels like a compromise under pressure.
Their demand for a separate administration or union territory was not included.
Leaders are seen as giving in to Delhi without securing people’s rights.
No justice has been delivered for killings, displacement, and sexual violence during last year’s conflict.
Civilians feel the deal mainly benefits armed leaders, not the families struggling every day.
Why Meiteis Are Angry Too
The Meitei community believes they were cut out of the process.
They weren’t consulted before the pact was signed.
They doubt the promise of “free highway movement.”
Concerns remain about camps located too close to Meitei settlements.
For them, the pact looks like another top-down order with no real local participation.
The Highway Question
While the government highlights NH-02 as “open and free,” locals point out that apart from early blockades, the road was never completely shut. The deeper issue is mistrust and fear. Even if roads are technically open, many people don’t feel safe enough to travel.
Mixed Reactions from Leaders
Armed groups KNO and UPF insist their demand for a union territory is still alive and will be part of “future talks.”
Some Kuki MLAs describe the pact as a stepping stone for more serious negotiations.
But for ordinary citizens, these assurances don’t change their ground reality.
Why “No Side is Happy”
Kuki-Zo say their political aspirations are ignored.
Meiteis say they weren’t even asked.
Victims of violence still wait for justice.
So, the new pact, instead of healing, has only deepened suspicion.
MediaFx People’s View
From the people’s angle — workers, farmers, youth — this deal looks like another patch-up job. Instead of addressing justice, dignity, and real participation, the government is doing quick fixes.
True peace can only come when:
Victims get justice.
Citizens, not just armed leaders, are included in dialogue.
Ordinary people can travel, work, and live without fear.
Political aspirations are discussed openly, not brushed aside.
Until then, this “peace pact” is just paperwork, not peace.
