Manipur’s new Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh kicked off his tenure with a crucial engagement, terming his first official parley with Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) delegates a ‘good start’ for peace. Held behind closed doors in Guwahati, the Saturday night meeting delved into strategies for normalcy after prolonged ethnic strife between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday in Imphal, Singh highlighted the rarity of the talks— the first in almost three years. He thanked KZC for accepting the invitation and stressed the session’s focus on promoting state-wide peace. ‘We’ve appealed to all stakeholders to move forward on ‘forgive and forget’ since I took charge,’ he noted, outlining government initiatives for stability.
KZC’s statement detailed the 105-minute discussion, where they voiced demands for immediate de-escalation between Kuki and Tangkhul Nagas, justice for violence victims as a prerequisite for reconciliation, and sanctity of buffer zones until a political deal. They also pushed for accelerating talks on suspending security operations.
Singh reciprocated by outlining his administration’s peace roadmap, expressing concerns over the unrest, and praising KZC’s initiative. Though inconclusive, the meet ended on a hopeful note, with hints of continued engagement. On separatist demands, Singh was unequivocal: New Delhi has ruled out any division of Manipur.
This dialogue arrives at a pivotal moment, following the CMO’s March 17 letter proposing the meet. With ethnic violence displacing thousands and claiming lives since May 2023, such steps are vital. Analysts see it as a breakthrough, potentially fostering trust and opening doors to multifaceted negotiations for sustainable harmony in the northeastern state.