Imphal: The Congress party in Manipur expressed cautious optimism over the recent talks between Meitei and Kuki legislators in New Delhi, aimed at resolving the 17-month-long ethnic crisis in the state. However, the party criticized the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for not initiating the dialogue sooner, suggesting that lives could have been saved with earlier intervention.
State Congress President K. Meghachandra welcomed the move but stressed that the meeting could have been more effective if it had included opposition voices and civil society groups. “We appreciate the talks as we have hope for peace and normalcy. However, this meeting should have happened earlier—precious lives could have been saved,” Meghachandra said.
Manipur has been reeling from ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 3, 2023, with over 220 casualties, including security personnel. Meghachandra emphasized that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s absence from the talks reduced their impact. “Biren Singh, as head of the state and holding the home portfolio, should have been present. The absence of Amit Shah shows negligence and made the meeting incomplete,” he added.
The meeting in Delhi, which marked the first formal dialogue between the warring groups, saw participation from government legislators, including Meitei ministers Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and Tongbram Robindro, and Kuki ministers Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen. The Naga community was represented by MLAs Ram Muivah, Awangbow Newmai, and L. Dikho. However, opposition members and key civil society groups were not invited.
Kuki legislator Paolienlal Haokip, a vocal BJP MLA who was excluded from the meeting, noted that while the dialogue was welcome, the situation requires political rather than local resolutions. “This is not just a fight between villages. Ethnic cleansing and large-scale killings have taken place. The state must address it politically,” Haokip said.
The United People’s Front (UPF), a Kuki militant group, reiterated its call for a separate administration for tribals in Manipur. The UPF, along with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), is part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the central and state governments. “We prioritize a distinct administration within the Indian Constitution to protect our identity and ensure our people live dignified lives,” the UPF said in a statement.
The SoO pact, first signed in 2008, has been extended periodically, with ongoing demands from Kuki groups for greater autonomy amid the ongoing ethnic strife.