For the first time since ethnic violence erupted 17 months ago, around 20 MLAs from the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur gathered for a peace dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting, aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, was convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Notably, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra and three MLAs from the Naga community were also present, reflecting the broader efforts to resolve differences between the Meiteis and Kukis.
The discussions lasted for over two hours, but key political figures like Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh did not attend. Instead, the Centre’s interlocutor A.K. Mishra and other senior officials represented the government’s stance. According to a statement from the MHA, representatives from the Meitei, Kuki-Zo-Hmar, and Naga communities engaged in deliberations about the situation in Manipur, focusing on reducing tensions and restoring peace.
The MHA’s statement emphasized that all members of the meeting resolved to appeal for peace, urging people from all communities to refrain from violence to prevent further loss of innocent lives. This meeting marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time Meitei and Kuki MLAs had met face-to-face since May 2023, when violence first erupted. During the period of unrest, the 10 Kuki MLAs had avoided the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley and had abstained from participating in Assembly sessions. Their absence underscored the deep-rooted divisions between the two communities.
While the meeting fostered important dialogue, sources reported that no concrete resolutions were achieved. Both sides presented their grievances and discussed the suffering of their respective communities during the conflict. Despite the lack of immediate solutions, many saw the meeting as a step forward. A source close to the discussions noted, “It was a good beginning. We weren’t expecting a miracle at the first meeting, but it’s an achievement to bring MLAs from both communities under the same roof. We hope future meetings will bring a peaceful resolution.”
Sambit Patra’s involvement in the meeting was also highlighted by the sources, who noted that as the BJP’s coordinator for the northeast, he played a key role in facilitating the gathering. Moving forward, the MHA plans to organize similar meetings involving civil society groups from both communities, with the goal of bridging their differences and restoring peace in the state.
Key figures in attendance included state Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, along with MLAs Tongbram Robindro and Th. Basantakumar Singh, representing the Meitei side. Kuki MLAs, including state ministers Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen, were also present, as well as Naga MLAs Ram Muivah, Awangbow Newmai, and L Dikho. The diverse representation highlighted the need for an inclusive dialogue to resolve the multi-ethnic tensions plaguing Manipur.
This meeting followed Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated calls for dialogue between the Kukis and Meiteis. Shah had previously stressed the importance of discussions in resolving the conflict, underscoring that the Centre was committed to addressing the concerns of both communities. In a statement on June 17, Shah had reiterated the necessity of a coordinated approach to restore peace in Manipur, affirming the government’s intent to work with both groups to heal the ethnic divide.
All MLAs and ministers who attended the meeting were invited by the MHA via letters and phone calls. Notably, the Kuki MLAs, in line with the aspirations of their community, had earlier demanded a separate administration or the creation of a Union Territory for tribals in Manipur. This demand reflects the deep-seated tension between the two communities, with the Kukis feeling marginalized by the majority Meitei community.
The violence in Manipur first erupted on May 3, 2023, after a tribal solidarity march was held in the hill districts to protest against the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meiteis, who constitute the majority population in the state, have long sought ST recognition, but the move has been fiercely opposed by the tribal communities, including the Kukis. The ensuing ethnic clashes have claimed the lives of more than 220 people, including civilians and security personnel from both sides.
The road to reconciliation is long and fraught with challenges, but this meeting has sparked hope for a peaceful resolution. The Centre’s ongoing efforts, led by the MHA, will continue to focus on dialogue and bringing all communities together to restore normalcy in Manipur.