Multiple rounds of tripartite talks inevitable
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 07, 2025 -

THOUGH it is unlikely that the Kuki-Meetei conflict would be resolved anytime soon, it is heartening to learn that civil society representatives of the warring communities finally sat across the table in New Delhi in an effort to end the crisis.

After nearly two years of outbreak of the violence, which has so far claimed the lives of over 250 people, including security force personnel, left more than 1500 people injured and uprooted 60,000-plus people from their homes and villages, delegates of the Kuki and Meetei communities fespon'ding positively to the home ministry's intimation to commence the dialogue process is indeed a huge relief for the state's general population and significant achievement for the central government, which is technically in control of the state's affairs.

Regardless of some civil society organisations declining the invitation for the talks claiming that the violence could have been ended in the first few months itself had the central leadership addressed the problem with compassion, the meeting assumes significance as presence of representatives of influential civil organisations could be construed as realisation on both sides that prolonging the conflict would only magnify suffering of the commoners.

The meeting also testifies that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been keenly following the evolving situation in Manipur and is leaving no stone unturned to pave the way for return of normalcy in the strife-torn state.

As Saturday's meeting was the first such tripartite meeting after the ethnic violence broke out 23 months ago between the two communities following a High Court of Manipur order pertaining to demand for granting scheduled tribe status to the Meetei/Meitei community, it would be wishful thinking for overnight solution to the conflict.

Leaders of the Kuki and Meetei communities, who attended the meeting held in the presence of MHA advisor for the northeast region, AK Mishra, among other officials, are certain to be heavily weighed down by the overwhelming expectation of the general population for restoring rule of law in the state, highlighting grievances of the violence-affected and displaced families who have been putting up in relief camps across the state, and ensuring that there is no compromise on position and aspiration of the communities in conflict.

Moreover, Meetei and Kuki civil society leaders agreeing to iron out their difference and endorsing the MHA endeavour for resolving the discord between the two communities, imply willingness of both the communities to hold meaningful dialogues, regardless of divergent views of various issues.

As similar initiatives initiated in latter part of last year by the MHA had failed to evoke positive response, presence of leaders of the Kuki-Zo and Meetei organisations under the same roof this time has sent a strong message that those averse to the idea of the finding solution to the vexed problems should have the patience and watch the evolving situation rather than perennially cast doubt over commitment of the central government in addressing the problem at hand.

However, with Kuki civil organisations and the 10 MLAs demanding a separate administration equivalent to a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo-Hmar dominated areas, there is no way that the conflict would cease anytime soon, for the simple reason that the said demand has been objected to by both the MHA and the Meetei organisations.

Thus, one could only hope that the next round of talks, if any, would evoke positive response and have the involvement of major stakeholders.