New Delhi talk first step to restore peace, says Awangbow
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 16 2024: Majority of the Meetei and Naga legislators, who took part in the meeting convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on Tuesday to restore peace in the state returned here on Wednesday.

Among those back in the state on Wednesday include Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Satyabrata, ministers Awangbow Newmai, Dr Sapam Ranjan and Th Biswajit.

Contrary to the claims of Kuki-Zo organisations that none of the Kuki-Zo ministers/MLAs sat together with Meetei and Naga legislators during the meeting held at a Khan Market hotel at the national capital, water resources minister Awangbow told media persons at Imphal airport that Kuki, Naga and Meetei MLAs together attended the meeting.

He said that MHA advisor for NE AK Mishra, IB joint director (NE) Rajesh Kumar, BJP NE coordinator Sambit Patra and BJP Manipur in-charge Dr Ajit Gopchade were also present at the meeting.

According to Awangbow, the joint meeting of Naga, Kuki and Meetei representatives was the first step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

The meeting was held in a cordial manner and accordingly paved the path of peace.

The meeting mainly dwelt on how to bring back peace in the troubled state with those present unanimous that collectively effort is a must to end the violence.

More such meetings are expected to be initiated by the ministry, he added.

The water resources minister, however, refused to divulged further details of the meeting insisting that he is not the authority, other than stating that a collective decision of the representatives was taken to bring back peace in the state.

When contact through telephone, an MLA who took part Tuesday's meeting informed The People's Chronicle that the initiative taken by the MHA for a joint meeting of Naga, Kuki and Meetei MLAs was a good one and first step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

The MLA claimed that Naga, Kuki and Meetei legislators held thorough discussion at the meeting prioritising restoration of peace.

None of the representatives made vindictive remarks and agreed to spread to their respective: communities the message of peace and save lives of the people, the MLA informed.

Contrary to the MLAs' claims, the first-ever peace meeting between Kuki, Meetei, and Naga MLAs organised by the MHA in New Delhi, ended without a resolution as six Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs expressed their reluctance to participate in future joint meetings with Meetei and Naga MLAs, according to a report of NE Now.

Through the meeting was the first involving representatives of the three communities since the ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, 2023, it ended up underscoring the deep divide between the Meetei and Kuki communities rather than finding common ground, maintained the report, adding that in-spite of the initiative aimed at holding joint session of MLAs from the three major communities, MHA officials, led by AK Mishra, first held separate meetings with Kuki and Meetei-Naga MLAs.

Kuki MLAs, who have been advocating for a separate administration and territorial segregation, requested a private session to consult further with their Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and fellow representatives.

Of the 10 Kuki MLAs in Manipur's assembly, only four attended the meeting, three of whom were from the BJP.

The Kuki People's Alliance has reiterated its demand for a Union Territory with legislative powers, essential for ensuring peace.

On the other hand, Meetei and Naga MLAs, who met separately, expressed desire for a peaceful and amicable solution to the conflict.

Despite the MHA's efforts, the meeting exposed the complexity of the situation, with the Kuki MLAs unwilling to engage in a broader discussion without further consultation.

Notably, Kuki-Zo MLAs issued a statement shortly after the meeting in which they stressed that any future dialogues involving the communities must first undergo thorough deliberation with the public, signalling a cautious approach to negotiations.

The ethnic tensions in Manipur have created deep divides between these communities, making it challenging to find common ground.

The inconclusive nature of the meeting underscores the complexities of the situation and the need for broader consultation with community members to build trust before further joint discussions.

The Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs clarified that they met only with officials from the MHA during the peace talks and did not participate in a joint meeting with Meitei and Naga MLAs.

In their statement, they reiterated that they are representing the Kuki-Zo people, who are demanding a separate administrative arrangement or Union Territory (UT) with a legislature.

The MLAs underscored that any peace discussions would be futile unless this political demand is addressed.

Furthermore, the Kuki-Zo MLAs emphasised that if there is a future need to meet with the Meetei and Naga representatives, they will only do so after consulting with Kuki-Zo civil society organisations (CSOs).

They also expressed full confidence in the leadership of the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF), confirming that their demands align entirely with those presented by these armed groups.

The MLAs called for an early resumption of political dialogue with the KNO-UPF leadership to push forward the demands of their community.

However, in an official statement, the MHA claimed that the peace meeting led to a unanimous resolution.

The MLAs reportedly appealed to the people of the state, urging all communities to abandon violence and work towards peace, so that no more innocent lives are lost.

According to the MHA, 20 MLAs, including six Kuki-Zo representatives, participated in the meeting, which aimed to bring stability to the conflict-stricken state.

However, this account contrasts with the statement issued by the Kuki-Zo MLAs, who maintained that they had not participated in the joint meeting with Meetei and Naga MLAs.

Meanwhile, Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) expressed optimism about a potential positive outcome from the recent peace meeting, viewing it as a "new beginning" in addressing the ethnic violence in Manipur.

A leader from MHS shared that, in their personal capacities, they had informal interactions with some Kuki-Zo civilians, who, despite the tensions, also wished for an end to the ongoing conflict.

However, the leader acknowledged the fear and threats surrounding any attempts at reconciliation, noting that these civilians were hesitant even to take a photo together, despite sharing snacks and light-hearted moments.

This underscores the deep mistrust and fear prevailing in the state due to the violence.

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