New Delhi, Sept 4 (UNI) In a significant development, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) today decided to open the National Highway-02 for free movement of commuters and essential goods after a series of meetings between officials of Home Ministry and KZC during the last few days here.

KZC has also given commitment to cooperate with Security Forces deployed by the Central Government to maintain peace along NH-02, a Home Ministry statement said.

The decision came alongside a meeting between representatives of MHA, Manipur government and Kuki National Organisation (KNO)-United People’s Front (UPF) here today.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement on re-negotiated terms and conditions (ground rules) to be effective from today for a period of one year.

The revised rule reiterated the territorial integrity of Manipur. Need for a negotiated solution to bring lasting peace and stability to Manipur.

KNO and UPF have also agreed to relocate seven designated camps away from areas vulnerable to conflict; reduce the number of designated camps; relocate the weapons with nearest CRPF and BSF camps and stringent physical verification of cadres by Security Forces to de-list foreign nationals, if any.

Besides, a Joint Monitoring Group will closely monitor enforcement of ground rules, and violations will be dealt with firmly in future, including review of the SoO Agreement, the MHA statement added.

UNI RBE RB 1519