Centre discusses Manipur peace with Meitei, Kuki groups

New Delhi

The central government held a meeting on Saturday with representatives of Manipur’s Meitei and Kuki communities, aiming to restore peace and end the conflict that began in May 2023. The discussion focused on building trust, ensuring law and order, and working towards reconciliation. A six-member Meitei delegation from AMUCO and FOCS and nine Kuki representatives attended. A K Mishra, former Intelligence Bureau official, led the talks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a recent Lok Sabha debate, said the Ministry of Home Affairs had been in touch with both communities separately and would soon hold a joint meeting. He emphasized that while violence has reduced, true peace is yet to be achieved, as many displaced people still live in relief camps.

President's rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation. Since May 2023, about 260 people have lost their lives, and thousands of weapons were looted. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, appointed in January, has been meeting various groups and encouraging arms surrender.

Despite the government’s efforts to open roads and restore normal travel, movement between Meitei and Kuki areas remains restricted. The ethnic violence erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protested a High Court order on Meitei ST status. The Centre is continuing efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution.