Manipur: After 2 years of ethnic strife, peace talks between Meitei and non-Meitei groups likely

The Centre’s latest measures, announced during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 1, have been widely welcomed.

After nearly two years of ethnic strife, peace talks between Meitei and non-Meitei groups are likely on the cards, as various organisations from different indigenous community call for stability and the safety of all communities in Manipur. With growing support for reconciliation, hopes are rising for a breakthrough in the prolonged crisis.

The Centre’s latest measures, announced during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 1, have been widely welcomed. The government’s action plan includes ensuring unrestricted movement across roads, strengthening border security, cracking down on drug trafficking, and dismantling illegal bunkers, steps seen as crucial in restoring peace.

The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA-GHQ) has expressed deep appreciation for these initiatives, particularly the decision to allow free movement across Manipur from March 8. The association sees this as a crucial step toward normalcy, particularly for the Thadou community, which has been among the most affected during the crisis. Calling it a “LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL” after 22 months of turmoil, the TSA also lauded the government’s efforts to curb extortion and drug cartels, urging collective action to make Manipur a drug-free state.Calling for collective support, TSA stressed that a drug-free Manipur is essential for a stable and prosperous future.

The Delhi Meitei Forum (DMF) has also backed the Centre’s effort. In a statement, the forum highlighted several key measures announced during a high-level meeting including unrestricted travel across Manipur’s roads from March 8, expedited fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, a robust crackdown on drug trafficking networks, strategic deployment of central forces for stability, firm legal action against violence, improved relief camps for displaced families, and initiatives to foster reconciliation between Meetei and Kuki communities. DMF fully supports these initiatives and remains committed to working toward a united and prosperous Manipur.

In a similar statement, Arambai Tengol commended Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership in addressing the crisis and ensuring the well-being of Manipur’s people. The organisation specifically praised the reopening of two National Highways, which is expected to improve connectivity and revive economic activity. Additionally, the group welcomed the accelerated border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, seeing it as a crucial step in safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity.

Since May 3, 2023, violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have left over 250 people dead and displaced more than 60,000. However, with peace talks now likely on the cards and the government ramping up efforts for reconciliation, there is renewed hope for a lasting resolution to the crisis.

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