New Delhi – Representatives โfrom the Indian central government and leaders from Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur signed aโค peaceโ accord on September 4, โ2025, aiming to de-escalate ongoing ethnic conflict and restore stability toโฃ the โhill state. The agreement focuses on addressing theโฃ socio-economic and political grievances of the Kuki-zo communities while reaffirming Manipur’sโ territorial integrity.
The pact โฃarrives โคamid monthsโข of violence stemming from a May 3, 2025, clash between the Kuki-Zo and โฃMeitei communities, resulting in over 180 deaths and displacingโฃ tens of thousands. A key โขoutcome of the agreement is the โreopening of National โHighway 2 (NH-2),a vital supply route that had โคbeen blocked for over four months,severely impacting the movement of essential goods andโค aid.โข The highway’s resumption of service is expected to alleviate humanitarian concernsโ and facilitate economic recovery.
The tripartite agreementโ wasโฃ signed in New delhiโฃ between representatives from โthe Ministry of Home affairs, the Manipur state government, and the Kuki-Zo Tribal Council. While details of the accord remain largely undisclosed, officials confirmed commitments to dialog, โconfidence-building measures, and the implementation of sustainable solutions to addressโฃ long-standing issues.
Concernsโค regardingโ manipur’s territorial integrity have been central โฃtoโ the conflict, with Kuki-Zo groups seeking greater autonomy. The central government has repeatedly stated its commitment to preserving the state’s โขboundaries, a position reiterated during the โขsigning ceremony. The agreement seeks โคto balance these concerns โฃby focusingโข on addressing the specific needs of the Kuki-Zo communities within the existing constitutional framework.
The reopening of NH-2 is a meaningful step towardsโข normalcy, allowing for the uninterrupted flow of suppliesโ to affected areas. Authorities are working to ensure the safety โฃandโฃ securityโค of commuters along the highway. Further negotiations are planned โขto address outstanding issues โand build lasting peace โin the region. Theโ central government has pledged continued supportโฃ to the Manipurโข government inโ its โefforts to restore peace and harmony.