MHA discusses short, long-term measures with Kuki-Zo and Meitei groups in first such meeting

The meeting, held in Delhi, was cordial, but no decision has been taken, and the process is expected to continue

At one of the first meetings between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei civil society groups organised by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday (April 5, 2025), 22 months after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, “short-term and long-term issues” were discussed, but no decision has been arrived at, a senior government official told The Hindu.

The free movement of all vehicles to and from Meitei dominated valley areas, on highways passing though the Kuki-Zo dominated hill areas, was also discussed, but no final agreement was taken, the official said.

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The return of internally displaced people to their homes was also deliberated upon, subject to security arrangements by the government.

MHA officials appealed to both communities to refrain from violence, and return looted police weapons and deposit other arms with the security forces, the official said.

The meeting was also attended by Manipur Chief Secretary P.K Singh.

“Since this was the first such meeting, several issues were discussed and the meeting was cordial. No decision was taken. The process shall continue,” the official said. 

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After May 3, 2023, around 6,020 police weapons and lakhs of rounds of ammunition were looted from police armouries. After Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal on February 20 to surrender looted police weapons, as many as 1,063 weapons, 15,027 rounds of ammunition, 684 improvised explosive devices, and 5,971 ‘other items’ were surrendered.

Around 260 people have been killed in the violence in Manipur, and scores are still missing. More than 62,000 people displaced from their homes are living in relief camps.

The meeting lasted six hours and was attended by 15 representatives from the Kuki-Zo Council, the Zomi Council, the Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), and the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO). It was chaired by A.K Mishra, Adviser (northeast), MHA.

“The meeting ended without any resolution or agreement. This is the first interface meeting between the two communities. Kuki-Zo and Zomi tribe leaders consider the MHA’s efforts in organising the meeting as a significant milestone in the quest for finding a solution to the almost two years of conflict. The meeting ended without any signed agreement,” Pauneihlal Haulai, general secretary, Zomi Council, said.

The AMUCO said that after hearing the views and comments of both communities, the MHA had suggested six key points for discussion and resolution.

“Accordingly, both sides studied the points. AMUCO and FOCS gave their consent at that point,” the AMUCO said.

The meeting comes a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah told the Rajya Sabha that both communities should understand dialogue was the only way forward, and the Union government was not in favour of continuing President’s Rule in the State for even a single day.

Mr. Shah said that, so far, 13 meetings had taken place with both communities, and soon, the final meeting involving both communities would be held in Delhi.

President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13.

Published - April 05, 2025 04:35 pm IST