The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled a high-level meeting in New Delhi on April 5 to bring representatives from both communities
IMPHAL: Kuki leaders from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district have outlined three firm preconditions for a ceasefire ahead of the crucial April 5 peace talks between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, convened by the Union Home Ministry.
Henlianthang Thanglet, chairman of the Kuki Zo Council (KZC), stated that these conditions were finalized during a consultation meeting organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi on Tuesday.
The first precondition calls for strict restrictions on the movement of Meitei individuals in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas and vice versa. The second demands a minimum six-month halt in hostilities to create a stable environment for negotiations.
The third condition insists on a structured and meaningful dialogue process during the ceasefire period to ensure progress in peace efforts.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled a high-level meeting in New Delhi on April 5 to bring representatives from both communities together in an effort to restore peace in the state. However, tensions remain high despite multiple reconciliation attempts.
On March 8, the Kuki-Zo-Chin community openly defied Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive for unrestricted road movement in Manipur by blocking security forces attempting to escort a bus along the Imphal-Senapati route.
Since May 2023, violent ethnic clashes between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei majority and the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo tribal communities have claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless.
The ongoing unrest prompted the Centre to impose President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
With the upcoming peace talks, all eyes are on the government’s ability to navigate the deep-rooted conflict and find a resolution acceptable to both sides.
Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com