IT News
Imphal, Oct 15:
A crucial meeting was held today in New Delhi under the supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Manipur. This was the first time since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, that Kuki and Meitei MLAs sat together for discussions.
The meeting brought together representatives from all three major communities in Manipur—Meitei, Kuki, and Naga. As per an unconfirmed source, the Meitei delegation included Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Govindas Konthoujam, Thokchom Radheshyam, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, L. Rameshwor, Yumnam Khemchand, Th. Satyabrata, T. Robindro, and Kh. Raghumani, while the Kuki-Zo MLAs in attendance were Letpao Haokip, Haokholet Kipgen, Ngursanglur Sanate, Paolilien Haokip, and Letzamang Haokip. Additionally, three Naga MLAs—Ram Muivah, Losii Dikho, and Awangbou Newmai—also joined the talks. MP Dr. Sambit Patra who is the BJP Northeast Coordinator, AK Mishra, Home Minister Interlocutor and other senior officials also attended the meeting which lasted for about 2 hours.
The focus of the meeting was to bridge the ethnic divide that has fuelled the violence, which has resulted in over 230 fatalities and displaced more than 59,000 people. According to unconfirmed source, the Kuki-Zo MLAs reiterated their demand for a separate administration, a long-standing issue that has heightened tensions in the state.
This meeting, orchestrated by the MHA, is seen as a critical step toward dialogue and reconciliation. However, the outcome remains uncertain, as the state government, continues to oppose the idea of a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community.