Imphal: In a significant development toward resolving Manipur’s prolonged ethnic unrest, Meitei-based civil organisations — the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) — have confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposed a six-point resolution during peace talks held in New Delhi on April 5.
The meeting marked the first formal dialogue between Meitei and Kuki-Zo representatives since violence erupted in the state nearly two years ago.
Addressing the media on April 7, AMUCO president Nando Luwang described the meeting as a “positive step forward,” revealing that the MHA had verbally invited both civil groups to attend without any preconditions. “We presented the concerns of the people with sincerity, and the meeting focused on constructive solutions,” said Luwang. MHA representative AK Mishra, who led the talks, encouraged the delegation to focus on problem-solving over debate.
Following extensive discussions, the ministry drafted a six-point resolution aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring peace. The proposal, shared with all stakeholders for review, received full endorsement from the Meitei representatives. One of the key aspects includes a collective appeal by civil society organisations for both communities to refrain from violence, while the MHA has assured that contentious, long-standing issues will be addressed through continued consultation and dialogue.
BM Shah, acting president of FOCS, reiterated their firm stance on preserving the territorial integrity of Manipur, signaling that any solution must not involve a division of the state. Shah echoed the sentiment that the meeting reflected a shift toward reconciliation, with further rounds of dialogue expected in the near future.
The historic gathering, brokered by the Union Home Ministry, brought together six Meitei representatives from AMUCO and FOCS, and nine Kuki-Zo Council delegates. Their face-to-face dialogue stands in contrast to a failed October 2024 meeting, where Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga MLAs refused to share a platform and instead met central interlocutors separately.
This renewed peace initiative follows the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, after former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. While the state assembly remains in suspended animation until its term ends in 2027, the Centre has stepped up efforts to restore law and order.
Since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, over 260 lives have been lost and thousands of firearms looted from police stations across the state. With the six-point peace framework now in circulation and the first steps toward mutual dialogue underway, the Centre’s roadmap signals a cautious but hopeful beginning toward healing a fractured Manipur.