Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has directed security agencies to identify armed groups allegedly involved in recent violence in the state and submit a detailed report on their role. Groups engaged in peace talks have been excluded from the exercise, according to the directions issued at a security review meeting in Imphal on 3 November 2026.
Singh warned that organisations found responsible for attacks on civilians could be declared unlawful and face action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The warning is conditional on the findings of the security agencies and a subsequent decision by the state Cabinet; it does not represent a declaration that any particular group has already been designated unlawful under the Act.
“Based on the findings of the report, the state cabinet would be constrained to declare such groups as unlawful if their involvement in violence against innocent civilians is established.”
The Chief Minister also said action would be initiated against groups that continued violence against the civilian population. He said such organisations would be dealt with under the UAPA. The directions come as the state reviews its law-and-order arrangements amid continuing tensions involving armed groups and communities in the hills and valley areas.
Security agencies asked to separate peace talks from alleged violence
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh and Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps, who joined through video conferencing. Senior officers from central security agencies and officials of the state Home Department also participated.
Information presented at the meeting indicated that about 35 hill- and valley-based Meitei, Naga and Kuki underground outfits operate in Manipur. The government’s proposed review is intended to distinguish groups involved in the current allegations from organisations that are part of an established peace process.
| Group or arrangement | Status mentioned at the meeting |
|---|---|
| Kuki groups | 25 groups have signed a Suspension of Operations agreement with the Centre and the state; the last term expired on 3 October 2026 and had not been renewed |
| NSCN (IM) and ZUF | Both have signed cessation-of-operations agreements; ZUF signed its agreement on 27 December 2022 |
| UNLF | The Pambei faction has been part of a peace process since 2023 |
Possible consequences under the proposed review
The state government has not named the groups that may be examined or announced findings against any organisation. The immediate step is the preparation of a report on alleged involvement in violence against civilians. Any further action would depend on the evidence gathered and the Cabinet’s consideration, as described by the Chief Minister.
- Security agencies have been asked to identify active armed groups allegedly linked to recent violence.
- Organisations engaged in peace talks are to be excluded from the identification exercise.
- Groups found responsible for attacks on civilians could face a state declaration as unlawful and action under the UAPA.
The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen security arrangements across Manipur. Singh’s warning places the alleged targeting of civilians at the centre of the state’s proposed response while leaving the legal status of individual groups to be determined after the report and Cabinet review.
