Imphal, Apr 2: Ahead of the crucial talks scheduled for April 5 between Kuki Zo and Meitei groups, called by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi, the Kuki leadership in Manipur has laid out three key pre-conditions for any meaningful dialogue. These stipulations aim to address ongoing tensions and facilitate a conducive environment for negotiations.
The three primary pre-conditions are:
Despite several attempts by the central government to mediate and bring both communities to the negotiating table, peace remains elusive. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has intervened, calling for a meeting between the Kuki Zo and Meitei groups in New Delhi on April 5 to discuss the way forward.
The upcoming talks in New Delhi are seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the conflict and pave the way for a lasting resolution. However, the Kuki leadership's pre-conditions will play a pivotal role in determining whether the discussions will lead to any substantial progress.
Kuki Zo Council's Pre-Conditions
The Kuki Zo Council (KZC), led by Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, outlined these conditions during a consultation meet organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi on Tuesday. Thanglet emphasized that these conditions must be met for the talks to proceed smoothly.The three primary pre-conditions are:
- Movement Restrictions: The movement of Meitei individuals in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas, and vice versa, shall be strictly restricted. This measure aims to prevent friction in areas where one community holds a majority.
- Ceasefire Agreement: Hostilities between the communities must be halted for a minimum period of six months to allow negotiations to take place without further violence.
- Initiation of Formal Dialogue: A structured, formal, and meaningful dialogue process must be established during the ceasefire period to address the root causes of the ongoing conflict.
Context of the Conflict
This agreement comes in the wake of ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur since May 2023. The violence, which began following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to oppose the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, has led to more than 250 fatalities and left thousands displaced.Despite several attempts by the central government to mediate and bring both communities to the negotiating table, peace remains elusive. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has intervened, calling for a meeting between the Kuki Zo and Meitei groups in New Delhi on April 5 to discuss the way forward.
President’s Rule and Government Intervention
In response to the escalating violence and political instability, the central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. This intervention was intended to restore peace and create the necessary conditions for dialogue.The upcoming talks in New Delhi are seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the conflict and pave the way for a lasting resolution. However, the Kuki leadership's pre-conditions will play a pivotal role in determining whether the discussions will lead to any substantial progress.