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The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken a significant step in its efforts to resolve the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur by inviting MLAs from all three major communities – Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga – to a meeting on October 15, 2024. This is the first time the government has called for such a multi-community gathering, highlighting its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis that has plagued the state since May 2023.
The meeting, convened by the Intelligence Bureau, is a positive sign that the Centre recognizes the need for dialogue and consensus-building among the affected communities. However, the lack of a formal agenda shared with the MLAs raises questions about the specific goals and direction of the meeting. While the meeting signifies a move towards reconciliation, its success hinges on the ability of all parties involved to engage constructively and with a genuine commitment to finding common ground.
The decision to call for the meeting comes nearly a month after Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in a press conference that resolving the Manipur situation requires dialogue between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, emphasizing the Centre's commitment to facilitate such discussions. However, previous efforts to establish peace committees have failed, with both communities rejecting a 51-member committee formed by the MHA in June 2023. This history of failed attempts raises concerns about the effectiveness of this new meeting, particularly with the absence of a clear agenda and the cautious stance taken by some MLAs.
The Naga community, who have been actively trying to facilitate dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, are cautiously optimistic about the meeting's potential. The Kuki-Zo community, however, is holding a meeting with representatives of civil society bodies and apex tribe bodies in New Delhi to decide whether to participate in the talks, highlighting the deep mistrust and skepticism that persists among some groups.
The meeting, though a positive step, comes amid a volatile situation in Manipur. At least 237 people have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced since the violence erupted in May 2023. The conflict has deepened divisions between the Meitei community, primarily inhabiting the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribes residing in the hills. The absence of a formal peace committee and the need for political intervention, as highlighted by individuals like Wilubou Newmai, underscore the complexities of the situation and the need for a holistic approach that transcends bureaucratic meetings.
Ultimately, the success of the meeting lies in its ability to address the underlying grievances and anxieties of all communities involved. While the lack of a clear agenda may leave room for uncertainty, the meeting provides a platform for dialogue and reconciliation. It remains to be seen whether this platform will be used to build bridges between communities or further deepen the existing divisions.
Source: Centre invites Manipur MLAs across Meitei, Kuki-Zo, Naga communities for meeting