For the first time since the violent ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, representatives from the Meitei and Kuki communities, along with Naga MLAs, are set to meet for crucial talks in New Delhi on October 15. Hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the direct supervision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, this meeting represents a significant step towards reconciliation after months of unrest.
The dialogue will be the first face-to-face meeting between Kuki and Meitei leaders, signalling what some political observers described as “the central government’s intent to secure a peaceful resolution.” The talks, to be held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to address the protracted conflict and restore peace in the state.
Among the Meitei representatives attending the talks are Thongam Biswajit, Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata, Thounaojam Basantakumar, Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Thokchom Radheshyam, and Tongbram Robindro. Representing the Kuki community are Letpao Haokip, Paolienlal Haokip, and Haokholet Kipgen. Naga leaders such as Awangbow Newmai, L. Dikho, and Ram Muivah will also be part of the discussions.
According to local media reports, all participants were personally invited by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs through official letters and telephone calls. Several leaders have already arrived in New Delhi, including Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata and Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro. Other MLAs and ministers are expected to depart from Imphal on October 14, with some already in the capital.
On the evening of October 13, a group of these legislators held a meeting with Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at his official residence, though specific details of this meeting remain undisclosed.
The violence in Manipur began on May 3, a year ago when protests broke out against a Manipur High Court ruling that favoured granting the Meitei community access to land ownership in tribal areas, a benefit traditionally reserved for the state’s minority tribes like the Kukis and Nagas. The ruling was seen as a threat to the land rights of the tribal communities, sparking ethnic clashes, between the Meteis and the Kukis. Over 200 people have since been killed, and more than 60,000 displaced, as both communities engaged in violent confrontations.
The conflict has led to widespread destruction of homes, villages, and places of worship, particularly targeting the Kuki community. Despite heavy deployment of central security forces, the violence has persisted, resulting in mounting casualties and displacement. Relief camps are overflowing with displaced individuals, and both sides remain deeply mistrustful of each other. The Centre’s repeated efforts to bring the warring groups to the table have culminated in this critical meeting.
As tensions continue to simmer in the state, this historic meeting offers a glimmer of hope for restoring stability and fostering dialogue between the divided communities
