The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have resumed formal dialogue and reached an understanding on the relocation and closure of select camps in Manipur.

The meeting, held on Monday, June 16, 2025, marked a significant development after a two-year hiatus in talks. A senior government official stated that the MHA stressed the importance of recovering looted weapons and reopening National Highways 2 and 37, the crucial lifelines connecting Imphal valley with Nagaland and Assam.

Security agencies have proposed the closure of seven out of 14 insurgent camps located near Meitei-inhabited foothill areas to ease local tensions and enhance security.

The insurgent groups, which are signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, reengaged in talks with the MHA on June 9. The SoO pact had effectively lapsed on February 29, 2024, following the withdrawal of the Manipur government from the tripartite agreement.

While no formal deadline has been set for extending the SoO pact, officials said any continuation will depend on compliance with revised ground rules. A representative of the insurgent groups indicated that evolving political and security concerns since the ethnic violence of May 3, 2023, require a reassessment of the agreement’s terms. Further talks are expected after 15 days.

In a parallel development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently held a closed-door meeting in New Delhi with former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Though details remain undisclosed, the meeting reportedly focused on assessing the current situation in Manipur and exploring measures to restore peace and normalcy in the state.