Centre, Manipur Govt, Kuki-Zo Groups Ink Pact to Reopen NH-2

Rapid Summary

• The Center, Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo groups signed a new agreement on September 4, 2025.
• Key agreements include maintaining the territorial integrity of manipur, reopening National Highway-2 (NH-2) for free movement, and relocating militants’ camps.
• The suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement was re-negotiated on updated terms to last one year. This comes after a previous version collapsed in February 2024.
• The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) agreed to:

– Relocate seven designated camps away from conflict-vulnerable areas.
– Surrender weapons.
– Allow stringent physical verification of cadres by Indian Security Forces to identify fake entries and foreign nationals.

• NH-2 reopening follows meetings between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials and the Kuki-Zo Council in New Delhi; the council committed to cooperating with Indian security forces for peace along NH-2.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Manipur in mid-September-his first visit since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The signing of this fresh tripartite agreement represents a significant step toward stabilizing the fragile peace ecosystem in Manipur after years of tension between various communities. By reinforcing commitments such as respecting territorial integrity and addressing militant activities systematically through relocation and disarmament, it lays down essential groundwork for rebuilding trust among stakeholders.

The strategic reopening of NH-2 underlines its critical role as an economic artery supporting free movement for goods and commuters essential for local livelihoods. Coupled with commitments by Kuki-Zo leadership regarding cooperation with security forces, these measures can alleviate immediate logistical hurdles while sending a positive signal toward long-term conflict resolution efforts.

However, success will hinge on strict adherence by all parties over time-particularly around dismantling armed structures-and implementing mechanisms that reinforce internal state cohesion without stoking further grievances or mistrust within affected communities.

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