Manipur armed groups could face a tighter confinement arrangement under a proposal put forward by former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh, who has called for cadres to remain in designated camps for two to three months as part of efforts to create conditions for peace and the return of displaced people.
Singh has also stressed the need to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) in a safe and organised manner. His proposal comes as Manipur continues to deal with the effects of the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
The former chief minister has previously backed tighter monitoring of armed groups and the recovery of illegal weapons. He has also repeatedly highlighted IDP rehabilitation as a priority.
Manipur armed groups and designated camps
The proposal places Manipur armed groups and their movement at the centre of a possible security-focused approach. Under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, Kuki-Zo armed groups have historically been required to keep their cadres in designated camps and follow rules governing weapons and movement.
Singh’s latest suggestion seeks a period of confinement lasting two to three months. The stated objective is to reduce the movement of armed cadres while authorities work towards broader measures for restoring normalcy.
However, the SoO arrangement has remained contentious. Singh’s government withdrew from the agreement with the Kuki National Army and Zomi Revolutionary Army in March 2023, citing concerns over alleged violations and other issues. The Centre and armed-group representatives later continued discussions on revised arrangements.
Focus on monitoring and weapons
The issue of weapons remains closely linked to any discussion about Manipur armed groups. Existing arrangements have included restrictions on carrying weapons outside designated locations and monitoring of cadres.
Recent reporting on the revised SoO framework has also highlighted camp relocation, consolidation and weapons being placed under central security supervision.
Therefore, any new confinement plan would depend heavily on verification, monitoring and compliance. It would also require coordination between the state government, Centre and security agencies.
IDP resettlement remains a major challenge
Alongside security measures, Singh has continued to emphasise the resettlement of internally displaced people. In April 2026, he said IDP resettlement remained his top priority and called for a dedicated committee to coordinate rehabilitation efforts.
The displacement crisis followed the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Tens of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes, with many spending extended periods in relief camps.
Singh had also spoken about resettlement during his tenure as chief minister. The state government had planned temporary housing and other support for displaced families, while some residents returned to areas where security conditions improved.
Safe return needs security guarantees
The proposed confinement of Manipur armed groups is closely connected to the question of whether displaced families can safely return home.
Returning IDPs involves more than rebuilding houses. Authorities also need to address security, access to roads, basic services and confidence among communities. In several parts of Manipur, communities remain divided along ethnic lines.
Recent reporting has noted that the government has pursued phased approaches to rehabilitation, including reconstruction and the return of families to areas from which they fled.
Moreover, the continued presence of armed groups and weapons remains a challenge for any large-scale return process. Security agencies have previously identified the recovery of weapons and the containment of armed actors as important elements in efforts to restore stability.
Political dialogue remains central
The question of Manipur armed groups cannot be separated from the broader political dialogue. The SoO framework was designed to suspend hostilities while allowing negotiations over political demands. The revised arrangements have also sought to keep dialogue within the constitutional framework.
At the same time, competing positions among communities continue to complicate the peace process. Kuki-Zo groups have sought political safeguards, while sections of Meitei civil society have opposed arrangements they believe provide undue space to armed organisations.
Consequently, security measures alone are unlikely to settle the wider political questions surrounding the conflict.
A two-track approach for Manipur
Singh’s proposal combines two immediate priorities: restricting the movement of Manipur armed groups and creating conditions for IDPs to return.
The effectiveness of such a plan would depend on implementation, monitoring and cooperation among the stakeholders. It would also need to operate alongside political dialogue and measures aimed at rebuilding trust between communities.
For displaced families, however, the immediate concern remains clear: a safe and dignified return home. Any lasting peace process in Manipur will therefore have to connect security, rehabilitation and political engagement rather than treat them as separate issues.
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