Further talks not on the card, as of now
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 08 2024: Even though a preliminary or first round of talk was held on October 15 among Kuki, Meitei and Naga MLAs in an effort to bring peace in Manipur, any further talk is off the cards as of now.

Notably, the meeting hosted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) at the initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs at 20 Subramanium Bharti Marg, Khan Market, Delhi agreed to hold further rounds of talks and explore all possible options of bringing peace in the State.

In addition to the Kuki, Meitei and Naga MLAs, the meeting was also participated by BJP North East in-charge Dr Sambit Patra, BJP Manipur in-charge Ajit Gopchadde and IB officials.

One MLA who sought anonymity said that it is not known yet whether there would be any further rounds of talks or when the next round of talks would be held.

No MLAs would say they don't like peace.

In fact, all the MLAs are yearning for peace, he said.

But the common yearning of the legislators for peace is not enough, the MLA said before asking whether talks among the legislators would suffice to bring peace in Manipur.

As they were invited by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the legislators went and attended the meeting.

On the other hand, many quarters are not listening to the MLAs.

At the same time, violent confrontations or exchange of firing has not stopped.

When such exchange of firing occurs, Central forces seem content to sit back and let the warring groups fight on, said the MLA.

Given this situation, CSOs must be made parties of any negotiation to bring peace in the State, he asserted.

Moreover, armed groups must be pacified and they too need to join the negotiation.

If this approach does not work, we must explore other options.

"I don't believe negotiation among the legislators will be able to bring peace in Manipur", the MLA added.

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