Kukis MLAs from Manipur stage a silent sit-in protest demanding the restoration of peace in the violence-affected Manipur.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Kuki-Zo organisations of conflict-scarred Manipur have decided not to engage with the Centre or its representatives until “substantive political dialogue” with the armed groups is resumed.

The MLAs of the State and the leaders of civil society organisations (CSOs) and extremist groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement converged in Guwahati on Friday (May 16, 2025) to discuss options for the return of normalcy in Manipur.

“We resolved that until the resumption of substantive political dialogue by the Government of India with the SoO groups, the CSOs and elected representatives shall no longer engage with the Government of India or its representatives,” read a joint statement.

The Centre inked the SoO with more than 20 extremist groups of the Kuki and Zomi people in 2005. They have been accused of being involved in the conflict with the Meiteis.