Kuki rebel groups to close seven camps near Meitei-dominated areas in Manipur

Guwahati: A meeting between the MHA officials and Kuki rebel groups on Monday decided to close at least seven camps situated closer to Meitei-dominated areas in strife-torn Manipur, officials said.

The meeting held in New Delhi, however, remained short of reaching an agreement on resumption of communication on two national highways passing through Kuki areas and extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with the rebel groups.

A source in a Kuki organisation in Manipur said another meeting will take place after two weeks to further discuss on the remaining issues.

The decision for closure of designated camps situated closure to the Meitei-dominated areas was reached based on recommendations of the central security forces as well as concerns expressed by Meitei organisations, the source said.

The decision is considered significant given Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's constant efforts to restore law and order before withdrawal of President's Rule.

Manipur has remained under President's Rule since February. Security officials said removal of the camps situated close to the Meitei-dominated areas is crucial to restore a sense of security along the "buffer zones" that separates the valley from Kuki hills. Kukis fled the Valley while Meiteis left the Kuki-dominated districts soon after the conflict erupted in May 2023.

More than 2,200 cadres of at least 25 Kuki rebel groups have been staying in designated camps since signing of the SoO agreements in 2008. The groups have been demanding a separate administration for the Kukis to end the conflict.