On day of Delhi meet Lt Gen Konsam Himalay expresses hope
Need for all to take Apr 5 date seriously stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2025: As the crisis in Manipur nears the 2-year mark without any meaningful talks between the Meetei and Kuki groups, Lieutenant General (Retd) Konsam Himalay has emphasized that dialogue is essential to re-establish peace in the State.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Himalay expressed optimism about the upcoming talks between Meetei and Kuki groups scheduled for April 5, stating that it's a crucial first step towards achieving peace.

Saying that the proposed meeting, however, won't bring immediate peace to the State, he added that some conflicts, in fact, take a long time to resolve, like the NSCN (IM) peace talks with India, which started in 1997 .

Even in the midst of war, countries like Russia and Ukraine continue to hold talks, he said.

On day of Delhi meet Lt Gen Konsam Himalay expresses hope

Reiterating that a dialogue is essential to resolve the crisis, he added that the Centre, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), must take the upcoming April 5 talks between Meetei and Kuki groups seriously.

People will continue to live in confusion and doubt if the warring communities don't engage in talks and state their positions, Himalay said and added that there is nothing wrong in holding a dialogue.

He elaborated that both the parties in conflict must clearly state their genuine positions after careful consideration, as constantly delaying and postponing the issue will not lead to a resolution.

Many initiatives have been taken up by the Government to resolve the ongoing crisis in Manipur but none of them has yielded any positive result, Himalay maintained.

Kuki groups had demanded President's Rule and the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren as conditions for talks while Meetei groups sought a review of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), National Register of Citizens, and border fencing, he said and maintained that the Government has addressed some of these demands.

Further stating that the Central Government has rejected the Kuki-Zo MLAs' and various groups' demand for a Separate Administration, he added that the Government, however, is yet to take concrete actions on issues such as illegal immigration, narco-terrorism, and the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.

It is unlikely that the Centre will disregard Manipur's extensive history, which spans over 2,000 years but people should not underestimate the schemes to divide Manipur, he cautioned.

Continuing that Manipur needs a clear strategy and a long-term vision to achieve development, Himalay maintained that the journey ahead is long and there are many things to be done.

He also said that a political dialogue with the Centre is crucial to resolve major and chronic issues of the State and for this experts must be consulted.

Saying that the crisis has severely impacted people in Manipur, both psychologically and economically, Himalay questioned when people can move freely across the State without fear.

People have been observing what the Centre has been doing after imposing President's Rule in Manipur, he added.

What people truly want is to live in peace and develop together, he said and reiterated that a dialogue is indispensable to let Manipur heal.