Peace Talks Underway in Manipur as Meitei and Kuki Delegations Head to New Delhi
In a significant development, delegations from the Meitei and Kuki communities have separately departed for New Delhi to participate in peace talks convened by the Centre on April 5. The initiative aimed at mediating an end to the ethnic violence that has gripped Manipur since May 2023, claiming over 250 lives and displacing thousands.
The Meitei delegation, comprising three representatives each from the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), is set to engage in talks with their Kuki counterparts. The AMUCO team includes President Nanda Luwang, along with senior advisors Ito Tongram and Dr. Dhanabir Laishram. FOCS, which has been a vocal advocate for the Meitei community, has also confirmed its participation.
The Kuki delegation, comprising representatives from the Zomi Council, Hmar Inpi, and the Kuki Zo Council, has also arrived in Delhi. The Kuki leadership had previously issued three pre-conditions for the talks, including a halt to hostilities for a minimum period of six months, a structured dialogue process during the ceasefire, and an end to cross-movement between Meitei and Kuki communities in areas where they are in the majority. It remains unclear whether these conditions have been met.
The violence in Manipur began after a “Tribal Solidarity March” was held in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Amidst the turmoil, the Centre had imposed President’s rule in the state on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
In an effort to bring the warring communities to the negotiating table, the central government has made several attempts to initiate dialogue. With the Meitei and Kuki delegations now in Delhi, hopes are raised that a peaceful resolution may be within reach.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/kuki-meitei-teams-leave-for-delhi-to-join-peace-talks-on-manipur-1194262-2025-04-04?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-04-04 21:51:00
