In a glimmer of hope amidst the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur, a crucial meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in New Delhi. For the first time since the eruption of violence last year, MLAs from the Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities will come together under the auspices of the Home Ministry. This historic gathering signifies a concerted effort by the central government to facilitate dialogue and pave the way for peace in the troubled state.
While the exact number of Meitei and Kuki legislators participating is yet to be confirmed, three Naga MLAs – Awangbou Newmai, L Dikho, and Ram Muivah – are expected to attend. All three representatives belong to the Naga People’s Front (NPF), a key ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur. Notably, several BJP MLAs from the state have also travelled to Delhi for the meeting, adding weight to the initiative.
The Home Ministry’s intervention in orchestrating this dialogue is a positive sign, with the hope that it can bring about a much-needed resolution to the conflict. The violence, which first broke out in May 2023, has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands of people. The meeting aims to address the deep-seated grievances and find common ground between the warring communities.
“We have been asked to come to Delhi to discuss certain things. I don’t know the exact agenda now. We have been exploring all means for bringing peace,” Water Resources Minister Awangbou Newmai told reporters at Imphal airport. Echoing this sentiment, NPF legislator L Dikho emphasized the importance of inclusive participation in achieving lasting peace: “It is difficult to bring peace to Manipur unless all the communities and people are involved.”
The state Congress, however, expressed its disappointment at not being invited to the meeting. While acknowledging the potential for positive outcomes, party president K Meghachandra highlighted the need for opposition participation given the magnitude of the violence. “Any initiative to reach a solution is good but the opposition party was not invited. However, if the outcome is positive, it will be good for the people of entire Manipur. But the participation of opposition is also required (at the meeting) given the magnitude of the violence,” he stated. Speaker T Satyabrata also arrived in Delhi on Sunday ahead of the meeting.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a prominent organization representing the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, has voiced concerns about the lack of consultation within the community before the meeting. “No civil society organisations were informed about the meeting by the MLAs. They should have been made aware of such an important meeting,” ITLF general secretary Muan Tombing said. The forum believes that proper consultation within the community is crucial for ensuring meaningful participation and effective outcomes from the dialogue.
As the MLAs from Manipur gather in New Delhi, the nation watches with hope and anticipation. The success of this meeting hinges on the willingness of all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, acknowledge the suffering endured by all communities, and commit to forging a path towards reconciliation and lasting peace in Manipur.
