The initiative for dialogue has raised hopes of peace in the violence-hit northeastern state of Manipur. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has described the meeting with the Kuki-Jo Council (KZC) as a good start towards restoring peace in the state and enhancing trust among the Kuki-Meitai communities. The meeting held in Guwahati on Saturday was the first formal conversation between the two sides after nearly three years.
Chief Minister Khemchand said on Sunday that the talks will continue further and its aim is to establish peace in Manipur. The meeting lasted about 1 hour 45 minutes, which the Kuki Council described as an ice-breaking session. More than 260 people have died and thousands have been rendered homeless in violence between the Meitai and Kuki-Jo communities in Manipur since May 2023.
What did Manipur CM Khemchand Singh say?
Chief Minister Khemchand said, the biggest concern is that internally displaced people (IDPs) have not been able to return to their homes yet. It is necessary to restore trust between the two communities for the safe return of people. How long will the security forces continue to protect the people, now the society itself will have to come forward. Kuki Council thanks him for accepting the invitation for talks. This is a positive initiative towards peace in difficult times.
message of forget and forgive
Appealing for peace from all parties, the Chief Minister asked them to move forward in the spirit of forget and forgive. He clarified that no demands or promises were made in this meeting, rather it is just the beginning of dialogue. On the demand for separate administration, the CM said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already talked about maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Kuki Council raised important issues
The Kuki-Jo Council said it raised several important issues at the meeting, including reducing tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities and providing justice to victims of violence. The Council also called for maintaining the buffer zone and intensifying the ongoing negotiations to advance the peace process.
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