Fri May 16 18:51:02 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Kuki and Zomi organizations in Manipur, including MLAs and civil society groups, are refusing to engage with the Indian government or its representatives until substantive political dialogue is resumed with Kuki-Zo armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. This decision was reached at a meeting in Guwahati on May 16, 2025, and signifies a breakdown in communication due to ongoing conflict with the Meitei community and accusations of SoO group involvement.

**News Article:**

**Manipur Crisis: Kuki-Zo Groups Halt Talks with Indian Government Amidst Violence**

**Guwahati, May 17, 2025** – In a significant escalation of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Kuki and Zomi organizations have announced a complete cessation of engagement with the Indian government. This decision, reached during a meeting in Guwahati on Friday, includes elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

“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,” a joint statement declared. The move comes as a direct response to the continued violence and a perceived lack of progress in addressing the grievances of the Kuki-Zo community.

The SoO agreement, signed in 2005, involves more than 20 Kuki and Zomi extremist groups. However, these groups have faced accusations of involvement in the ongoing conflict with the Meitei community, further complicating efforts to restore peace.

The decision to halt talks represents a major setback in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the unrest in Manipur. The silent sit-in protest staged by the Kuki MLAs from Manipur demanding the restoration of peace in the violence-affected Manipur highlights the urgency of the situation. The ramifications of this breakdown in communication are likely to further destabilize the region. The government has yet to respond to the announcement.

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