Centre holds Meeting with Manipur MLAs to promote peace and stability

In a recent meeting in New Delhi, at least 15 MLAs from the Meitei, Kuki-Zo-Hmar, and Naga communities of Manipur discussed the ongoing unrest in the state. They appealed to the people to stop the violence to prevent more loss of life. The meeting included eight Meitei MLAs, four Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs, and three Naga MLAs, along with representatives from the central government.

The Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs stated that any future discussions for peace can only happen if a separate administration is established for their community. They emphasized that a political solution, including the demand for a separate administration or union territory, is essential before any peace talks can begin.

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Call for unity and safety

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mentioned that all leaders at the meeting agreed on the need for peace. However, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) clarified that the central government held separate discussions with each community’s MLAs. The ITLF stated that the Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs insisted on political solutions before engaging in joint talks.

The MHA said that the meeting lasted nearly two hours and concluded with a unified appeal to all communities in Manipur to reject violence. They urged everyone to work together to protect innocent lives. 

Significantly, Manipur's Chief Minister, Biren Singh, was not present at the meeting and has previously opposed the idea of a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community. The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has continued for the past 17 months, resulting in over 220 deaths and displacing nearly 50,000 people. Naga MLAs have been meeting separately with representatives from both groups to find a way to restore peace in the region.