Fri Sep 05 17:36:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil society group, has strongly condemned the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact between the Indian government and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur. COCOMI argues that the decision, made under President’s Rule, disregards the will of the people and the Manipur Legislative Assembly, which previously voted to abrogate the SoO agreement. They view the extension as legitimizing armed groups involved in criminal activities and a compromise of democratic principles. The Indian government and the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) agreed to open the National Highway-2 to restore normalcy in the region. The central government’s decision comes ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s expected visit to Manipur, his first visit since ethnic violence erupted. The BJP legislator, Y. Khemchand Singh, has welcomed the reopening of the Imphal-Dimapur road, National Highway-2. Ethnic clashes have resulted in at least 250 deaths and the displacement of over 60,000 people.
**News Article:**
**Manipur Tensions Flare as Meitei Group Rejects SoO Pact Extension**
*New Delhi – September 5, 2025* – The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a leading Meitei civil society organization, has voiced strong opposition to the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Indian government and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups operating in Manipur.
The controversial decision, announced on Thursday, September 4, 2025, was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Manipur government under President’s Rule. It comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to the state on September 13, his first since the eruption of deadly ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023, violence which led to the death of approximately 250 people.
COCOMI argues that extending the SoO pact defies the will of the indigenous people of Manipur and their elected representatives. They point to a unanimous Cabinet decision on March 10, 2023, to abrogate the SoO agreement. The group accuses the central government of undermining democracy and legitimizing armed groups allegedly involved in criminal activities.
“The decision to extend the SoO under such circumstances is illegitimate,” COCOMI stated, referring to the President’s Rule administration imposed on February 13, 2025. “This act represents a complete compromise of the basic principles of democracy.”
The MHA defended the decision, highlighting the fact that the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) agreed to open the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) passing through Kangpokpi district, a crucial step towards restoring normalcy and ensuring the flow of essential goods.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Imphal West Y. Khemchand Singh welcomed the reopening of the Imphal-Dimapur Road. “This development constitutes a substantial milestone in the restoration of normalcy and is a notable development for all of us.”
The ethnic conflict, which began in May 2023, has resulted in over 60,000 people being displaced from their homes, highlighting the urgent need for a lasting solution. The central government’s decision regarding the SoO pact is likely to further polarize opinions and presents a significant challenge to achieving peace and stability in the troubled state.
First Piper 