GUWAHATI: Around 20 MLAs from the warring Meitei and Kuki communities of Manipur met in New Delhi on Tuesday, October 15. This marks the first time that officials from both sides have convened together since violence erupted in the northeastern state around 17 months ago.
ALSO READ: NPPA Approves 50% Price Hike For Essential Drugs To Ensure Availability
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revealed that representatives from the respective communities came together to explore pathways for peace. "The meeting unanimously resolved to appeal to the people of the state, belonging to all communities, to shun the path of violence so that no more precious lives of innocent citizens are lost," the statement said.
While the discussions allowed both sides to air their grievances and share their experiences of suffering during the turmoil, no concrete solutions were reached. However, sources described the meeting as a promising start.
"It was a good beginning,” a source familiar with the deliberations reportedly told credible news outlets. “We were not expecting a miracle at the first meeting, but it is an achievement that we could bring MLAs of the two communities under the same roof.”
The meeting lasted for over two hours, and was attended by Meitei MLAs such as State Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Tongbram Robindro, and Th. Basantakumar Singh. On the Kuki side, ministers Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen participated. The Naga community was represented by MLAs Ram Muivah, Awangbow Newmai, and L. Dikho.
However, neither Union Home Minister Amit Shah nor Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended the discussions, though the Centre's interlocutor, A.K. Mishra, and other senior officials were present.
BJP MP Sambit Patra, who serves as the party's coordinator for the northeast, was responsible for organising the meeting.
The ongoing conflict in Manipur, triggered by the Meitei community's demand for ST status, has severely impacted both communities and led to widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life. The Kukis have also pressed for separate administration or Union Territory status for tribals in Manipur as a potential resolution to the conflict.
