Manipur Eases: For The First Time Since 2023, Home Ministry Brings Kuki and Meitei Groups Together at the Talks Table

The ethnic conflict in Manipur appears to have calmed down as the Centre successfully convened a meeting on Saturday (5 April) with leaders of civil society organisations from the Meitei and Kuki communities.

This marks the first time representatives from these warring factions have come together for negotiations, in a bid to restore peace in the violence-stricken region, The New Indian Express reported.

High-ranking officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) were also in attendance. The meeting was described as a "significant" development, as it was the first time the leaders of the two communities were not dialoguing separately.

TNIE sources indicated that the government arranged the meeting as a continuation of its sustained attempts to peacefully resolve the ongoing conflict that has been plaguing the state for almost two years.

The meeting was attended by a delegation of six Meitei members, representing both the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS). Additionally, a Kuki delegation of nine representatives was present.

On the government’s side, the Centre was represented by interlocutor A K Mishra, a retired special director of the Intelligence Bureau, along with other senior officials.

According to the sources, the conversations centered around reestablishing trust, enhancing collaboration, and defining a plan to restore peace in the troubled northeastern state. The discussions further emphasised the necessity of upholding law and order and fostering harmony between the two communities.

In a recent parliamentary discussion about Manipur, Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had previously engaged in dialogues with representatives from both the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Shah had responded to a brief debate, stating that the MHA would shortly call a joint meeting. This debate had led to the adoption of a Statutory Resolution that affirmed the enforcement of the President's rule in Manipur.