Meetei, Kuki groups hold first talks as Centre pushes for peace
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 05 2025: In a significant step toward restoring peace in violence-hit Manipur, representatives of the Meetei and Kuki communities sat across the table for the first time since ethnic clashes erupted nearly two years ago, following an initiative by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) .

The five-hour-long meeting, held in New Delhi on Saturday, brought together 15 civil society leaders - six representing Meetei groups All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) and Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), and eight from Kuki-Zo groups - six from Kuki groups and two from Zo The dialogue was facilitated by the Centre's interlocutor, AK Mishra, a retired special director of the Intelligence Bureau, and attended by Manipur chief secretary Prashant Kumar Singh.

While the talks ended without a conclusive agreement, both sides agreed to continue the dialogue process, signalling a breakthrough in engagement after nearly two years of estrangement and violence that have claimed over 250 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people since May 2023.The Centre, reportedly urged both sides to maintain peace and law and order in the state to create an environment conducive to resolution.

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the meeting discussed a range of issues including cessation of violence, return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), security concerns, and re-establishing free movement across hills and valley.

A key focus of the discussion was the need to address the trust deficit that has widened over the past two years.

The delegations acknowledged the suffering of common people due to ongoing hostilities and the disruption of daily life, including restricted movement and the breakdown of administrative and economic systems.

The leaders reportedly appealed to their respective communities to refrain from further violence and called upon the authorities to take strict action against perpetrators of unrest.

They appreciated steps taken by the Governor to encourage the surrender of illegal arms and expressed willingness to support similar measures in future to help restore a sense of security among residents.

However, another source cited Kuki-Zo Council chairman Henlianthang Thanglet rejecting the proposal to make the appeal to refrain from further violence.

Participants also reportedly agreed on the need to ensure smooth movement on national and state highways, which have often been blockaded during the conflict.

The disruption of transport has significantly affected the supply of essential goods and further strained relations between communities.

On the issue of internally displaced people, both delegations said they were open to government efforts to facilitate safe and voluntary return of those forced to flee their homes.

However, they emphasised that adequate security and logistical arrangements must be made in advance to ensure a dignified return process.

The groups urged the Governor and the state administration to prioritise developmental activities in neglected conflict-hit areas.

They also agreed that long-term and contentious issues, such as political demands and administrative arrangements, should be addressed through sustained dialogue with the MHA in consultation with all stakeholders.

Although no major breakthrough was announced, sources said the dialogue was marked by a willingness to listen and acknowledge each other's concerns.

Both sides recognised that resolution would not come overnight but stressed the importance of continuing such engagements.

The Kukis have demanded a separate administration, while the Meeteis have sought inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list - both opposed by the other sides.

The violence has created a sharp divide between the hills and the valley, making even routine travel between the two areas fraught with tension.

Saturday's meeting marked the first face-to-face engagement between the civil society organisations from the two communities since the start of the conflict.

The Centre views the meeting as a crucial beginning and is expected to convene another round of talks later this month.

Officials involved in the process said the Centre is adopting a twin-track approach - focusing simultaneously on restoring peace on the ground and addressing the core demands of both communities through institutional dialogue.

With the parties reportedly agreeing to keep the conversation going, attention now turns to the next round of talks, likely to be held in New Delhi by the end of April.

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