Manipur: First Tripartite Meeting of Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and MHA Set for Tomorrow in Delhi
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Synopsis
In a major development, the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities will engage in a tripartite meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. This meeting is the first since ethnic riots began 23 months ago, with significant discussions anticipated regarding the demands and situation of the communities.
Key Takeaways
- First tripartite meeting post-ethnic riots.
- Kuki-Zo Council demands separate administration.
- Meitei organizations seek action against militants.
- Over 250 fatalities due to ethnic violence since May 2023.
- 60,000+ individuals displaced and in relief camps.
Imphal, April 4 (NationPress) In a noteworthy development, key organizations representing the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities are set to participate in a tripartite meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on Saturday, as confirmed by officials and leaders on Friday.
This upcoming meeting marks the first tripartite discussion since ethnic riots erupted 23 months ago between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities regarding the demand for tribal status for the Meiteis.
Although officials from the Manipur government validated the upcoming meeting in the national capital, they chose not to reveal the agenda for the tripartite discussions.
Leaders from both the Kuki and Meitei communities have stated that MHA advisor for the northeast region, A.K. Mishra, has reached out to invite the leaders of their respective organizations.
Last month, Mishra conducted separate meetings with various organizations representing both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur.
Previously, the MHA attempted to convene a tripartite meeting with the two communities' leaders, but the tribal organizations (Kuki-Zo) declined to engage with the Meitei leaders.
On January 17, leaders of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), which comprises 13 organizations of the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur, met with senior MHA officials in New Delhi to discuss their demands and the current situation in the northeastern state.
The four-member KZC delegation, led by its Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, engaged with A.K. Mishra and Joint Director of the MHA, Rajesh Kamble.
Details of the discussions between MHA officials and KZC leaders have not been disclosed to the media.
The KZC, along with 10 tribal MLAs, is advocating for a separate administration akin to a Union Territory for areas dominated by the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribes.
Meanwhile, the Meitei organizations are calling for action against militants, addressing the drug crisis, managing border infiltrators from Myanmar, and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Since May 3, 2023, over 250 individuals have lost their lives and more than 1,500 have been injured due to ethnic violence involving the Meitei and Kuki-Zo populations.
Additionally, more than 60,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes and villages, currently residing in relief camps across various districts for the past 23 months.
