IMPHAL, Oct 14: In a significant move to bring peace to Manipur after over a year and a half of unrest following the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, MLAs from both the Meetei and Kuki communities will hold peace talks in New Delhi on October 15. These talks are aimed at breaking the ongoing deadlock between the two communities as part of the Central government’s efforts to resolve the crisis.
Sources indicate that the initiative for peace negotiations is being led by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Centre views the situation as critically serious and is taking steps to reach a lasting solution.
Among the Meitei MLAs expected to attend the talks are Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata, Works Minister K Govindas, Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit, Thanga MLA T Robindro, and Heirok MLA Th Radheshyam. From the Kuki community, Horticulture Minister Letpao Haokip, Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen, and Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip are likely to participate, with additional MLAs anticipated to join the discussions.
Speaker Th Satyabrata and Thanga MLA T Robindro have already left Imphal for New Delhi, while other ministers and MLAs are expected to depart on Monday. Although RD & PR Minister Y Khemchand is also heading to the capital, it remains unclear if his trip is linked to the talks.
The violence, which has left over 200 dead and more than 60,000 displaced in relief camps, continues to impact the region. Many villagers, whose homes were destroyed during the height of the conflict, remain unable to return to their homes.
Although incidents of violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in border areas have lessened, the upcoming peace talks are seen as a vital first step toward restoring long-term peace in the state. The Centre’s initiative to bring both sides to the table is viewed as a critical opportunity to move forward with reconciliation and stability.
