The Centre has resumed talks with Kuki-Zo armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement after nearly a two-month pause, as efforts continue to stabilise the fragile security situation in Manipur following renewed ethnic tensions.

The meeting, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi, marked the first formal engagement since recent unrest in parts of the state. According to sources, the meeting was reportedly chaired by A.K. Ajit Lal, the newly appointed interlocutor for Northeast peace talks and a former senior Intelligence Bureau officer, who succeeded A.K. Mishra.

Senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau, security agencies and the Manipur administration, including the Home Secretary and Additional Director General of Police, attended the meeting, sources said. Delegations from the Kuki National Organisation and the United People’s Front, both signatories to the SoO pact, represented the Kuki-Zo groups.

The day-long discussions were held in two phases. The first session focused on security and operational issues, particularly the location and functioning of designated camps housing SoO cadres. Both sides reportedly agreed in principle on relocating certain camps to reduce friction with nearby populations and strengthen security management.

During the meeting, Kuki-Zo representatives also raised concerns over continuing unrest in Ukhrul district, alleging threats to civilians and incidents of village burnings in recent weeks. They sought urgent intervention and confidence-building measures.

Sources said the post-lunch session centred on political demands, with the groups reiterating their long-standing demand for a Union Territory with legislature for the hill areas they inhabit. They cited historical and developmental grievances, alleging unequal distribution of resources, inadequate infrastructure in hill districts, poor access to essential services, and lack of accountability over the violence since May 2023. The groups argued that the scale of the ethnic conflict and the breakdown of trust between communities have made a return to the pre-2023 status quo untenable.
Interlocutor A.K. Ajit Lal assured the delegations that their concerns and demands would be conveyed to higher authorities. The Centre reiterated that its immediate priority remains restoration of peace, deployment of central forces where necessary, rationalisation of camps, and continuation of dialogue within the constitutional framework.