*Govt-Kuki talks heading towards free movement deal in Manipur* *20/06/2025 (Fri):* Government negotiations with Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with New Delhi are inching towards an agreement on allowing free movement of people and goods across Manipur — a crucial step towards re-establishing peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state, _The Indian Express_ has learnt. Since the onset of ethnic violence in May 2023, Meiteis and Kukis have been geographically separated with the former confined to the Imphal Valley and the latter retreating to the hill areas. During the two-year-long violence, areas dominated by one community had become no-go zones for the other. Movement of goods, too, had been difficult. Following the imposition of President’s Rule this February, free movement was among the first key announcements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who set a deadline for March 8. However, opposition from Kuki groups and firing on a state transport bus plying from the Valley to the hills in Kangpokpi put the initiative on the backburner. According to sources, free movement in the state has been among the primary goals of the Centre, and a breakthrough may be achieved soon. “The matter is under discussion with SoO groups. We are hopeful it (an agreement) will be achieved soon. The concerns of all sides are being addressed and SoO groups have indicated they are not entirely opposed to the idea. This will be a major breakthrough in re-establishing normalcy in the state. It is absolutely essential that people from the Valley are able to pass through the hills and those from the hills can come to the Imphal Valley,” a Home Ministry official said. https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/manipur-govt-kuki-talks-free-movement-deal-people-goods-meiteis-president-rule-10077335/ ©𝐙𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 > For more updates, follow our Channel https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagGXwJBA1f6S5IuCN1W