A landmark step towards lasting peace, today’s tripartite talks between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has taken a difficult turn. Despite the adoption of six key resolutions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) expressed concern over the lack of full cooperation from the Kuki delegation, according to sources.
The central government team, led by North East Advisor A.K. Mishra, was left worried about the future of the peace process due to what officials described ‘as a lack of commitment from the Kuki side’, sources said.
According to sources, Kuki representatives expressed reservations over some of the points, leading to a deadlock. As a result, the meeting concluded without consensus, though discussions are expected to continue in the coming days.
Kuki-Zo Council chairman Henlianthang told the PTI: “We did not agree to any point, as we were not happy with the outcome of the meeting.”
The meeting, held from 11 AM to 4 PM, focused on six important resolutions to restore peace and normalcy in the state. A six-member Meitei delegation, including representatives from the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), actively participated. They were joined by an eight-member Kuki delegation led by members of the Zomi Council and Hmar Inpi.
The talks aimed to build trust, cooperation, and reconciliation between the two communities and to establish a roadmap for peace and stability in the region.
Among the resolutions adopted was a mutual appeal for both communities to refrain from violence and a call for the administration to take strict action against those involved in violent acts. Both sides appreciated the Governor’s efforts to encourage the deposit of arms and pledged support to ensure the safety of the public.
They also acknowledged the difficulties caused by the continued blockades on national and state highways and agreed to work with authorities to resolve the issue. In a significant step forward, both sides welcomed any government initiatives aimed at helping internally displaced persons return to their homes, provided proper security and logistics are ensured.
Both delegations also urged the Governor to prioritize development in areas worst affected by the conflict, which has severely impacted daily life and progress across several regions.
However, despite these positive developments, the MHA voiced disappointment over the Kuki delegation’s hesitations, sources said. While the Meitei representatives showed strong willingness to move forward, the lack of full commitment from the Kuki side was seen as a setback in the ongoing peace process, sources added.
The much-anticipated meeting between Kuki and Meitei community leaders, convened by the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi on Saturday (April 5), failed to break the ice, with the Kuki Zo Council refusing to sign a six-point resolution.
However, the Meitei organisations gave their consent to the six points mentioned in the draft resolution, circulated to representatives of the two communities after the meeting, Henlianthang added.
This was the first face-to-face huddle between leaders of the two communities since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state in May 2023. The meeting assumed significance as it came close on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent assertion in the Parliament that the Centre was working out an amicable solution to the conflict.
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