Churachandpur:   The Hmar Inpui, the apex organization of the Hmar community, has declared a recent peace agreement with the Meitei community “null and void.” This announcement, made on August 2, 2024, came just a day after the agreement was signed on August 1, 2024, in an effort to restore peace in Jiribam.

The agreement was established during a meeting at a CRPF facility in Cachar, Assam. This meeting, overseen by the Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles, and CRPF, included representatives from the Meitei and Hmar communities, as well as members of the Thadou, Paite, and Mizo groups. The goal of the agreement was to improve relations by promoting cooperation, enabling controlled movement, and supporting security operations.

Despite these objectives, the Hmar Inpui has rejected the agreement, citing problems with authorization and procedural issues. In its resolution, the Hmar Inpui declared the agreement invalid and proceeded to dissolve its Jiribam unit and associated groups, including the HYA, HSA, HNU and HWA.

The organization also criticized the participants of the peace talks, accusing them of acting out of self-interest rather than representing the Hmar community. Furthermore, the Hmar Inpui expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with the government, arguing that the creation of Jiribam as a separate district has further alienated the Hmar people and criticizing the peace initiatives as attempts to undermine their cause.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Hmar Inpui emphasized the need for genuine peace, which must be based on respect and justice rather than communal interests. The organization remains dedicated to advocating for the complete separation of the Zohnathlak peoples from Manipur.