In a push to end the turmoil in Manipur, a meeting has been called by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to discuss the issues regarding Manipur. This is for the first time the Meiteis and Kukis are likely to meet on April 5, in order to find an end to the ongoing conflict.
In regards to this, Kuki-Zo leadership across Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, has unanimously declared three non-negotiable preconditions for any cessation of hostilities. The declaration was made during a consultation meeting held at the KBC Centre Church Hall, Kangpokpi District Headquarters, in the presence of the Kuki-Zo Council, the apex political platform representing the Kuki-Zo people.
The Consultation Meet was organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District.
The Pre-Condition announcement comes ahead of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ scheduled talks between the warring Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities on April 5 in the National Capital.
The Three Pre-Conditions for Cessation of Hostilities are:
1). No Cross-Movement: There shall be no movement of Meitei individuals in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas and vice versa.
2). Initiation of Dialogue: Meaningful and structured dialogue must commence during the cessation of hostility.
3). Six-Month Ceasefire Period: The cessation of hostilities shall be observed for a period of six months.
Speaking to the media, HENLIANTHANG THANGLET, Chairman of Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), stated, “We have declared that in the meeting, we demand cessation of hostilities, and we don’t want no cross movement of Meiteis, initiation of Dialogue, and the cessation of hostilities shall be observed for a period of six months.”
As tensions continue to simmer, all eyes are now on the April 5 meeting, where the Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to facilitate negotiations that could shape the trajectory of inter-community relations in the region.
Meanwhile, there has been a lack of clarity from the Meitei side over the meeting with no official statement coming as of the time of writing this story regarding their interests. A member of a prominent CSO on anonymity told NewsX they are unsure about going to the meeting.
