Imphal: The Zomi Re-unification Organisation (ZRO), a key Kuki militant group, announced the closure of one of its three designated camps showing continuation of Suspension of Agreement (SoO) agreement between Government of India and Kuki militant groups.
The announcement was made on Friday.
After the second round of talks held on June 16 between the Union Home ministry and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, an agreement was reached to relocate seven camps from Meitei-dominated areas.
A statement issued on Friday, signed by ZRO vice- president-I Kenneth Muan, said, “After prolonged discussion and deliberation, the ZRO cabinet unanimously resolved to close one of the three designated camps—viz Mt. Sinai Camp, Songtal, Senapati district.”
The SoO agreement, signed in 2008 between 25 insurgent groups and the central and state governments, provided for 14 designated camps across Manipur’s hill districts housing around 2,200 cadres.
The move, however, continues to face opposition from sections of the Meitei community. Former chief minister N. Biren Singh has consistently blamed armed Kuki militants for escalating violence. Conversely, Kuki leaders accuse Meitei groups particularly Arambai Tenggol for triggering and intensifying the conflict.
As security efforts continue and peace negotiations inch forward, the ground situation in Manipur remains volatile, with a fragile balance between law enforcement efforts and political reconciliation.
