Can Peace Be Restored in Manipur? Tribal Body TIM and Meitei Groups Meet
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On August 6, a pivotal meeting took place in Imphal, bringing together the Thadou tribe and Meitei community leaders to discuss the path towards peace in Manipur. This historic gathering could be a game changer in the ongoing ethnic conflict, emphasizing the importance of unity and identity amidst challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Significant gathering of Thadou tribe and Meitei leaders.
- Focus on peace process amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
- Importance of identity and rejection of extremism highlighted.
- First consultation since May 2023 violence.
- Hope for reconciliation through collective dialogue.
Imphal, Aug 6 (NationPress) In a significant step towards fostering peace in Manipur, multiple Civil Society Organizations representing the Thadou tribe and the Meitei community convened for a crucial meeting in Imphal on Wednesday, as reported by organization sources.
The gathering included the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the leading body of the Meitei community, All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Ima groups, student leaders, and Arambai Tenggol, who met with a 13-member delegation from Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), a tribal organization.
Following this inaugural meeting, a TIM leader indicated that discussions focused on the peace process in Manipur, although specific details were not disclosed.
A statement from TIM emphasized that historically and culturally, there is no community recognized as Kuki indigenous to Manipur.
It stated, “The term 'Kuki' has foreign roots, and those who adopt it now often do so to advance a separatist and extremist agenda. Many who currently identify as Kuki are believed to be illegal immigrants who have settled in Manipur in recent decades.”
Furthermore, the statement noted that over time, 'church politics' and 'religious affiliations' have contributed significantly to the 'misclassification' of numerous Thadou tribe members as Kuki, leading to further confusion and undermining the authentic identity of the Thadou people.
“This poses a threat not just to the Thadou tribe but also to the Meiteis, Meitei-Pangal, other tribal communities, and the unity of Manipur as a whole,” the statement continued, stressing that the term 'Kuki' is a political ideology rather than an ethnic identity.
“Let us unite in truth. The journey towards lasting peace in Manipur begins with a clear understanding of identity, a rejection of extremism, and a renewed commitment to coexistence,” the TIM stated.
Wednesday’s meeting between TIM and Meitei CSOs in Imphal marks the first consultation since ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023. However, TIM had previously engaged with Meitei CSOs in Delhi.
Political analysts believe that this meeting could herald a new phase in resolving ethnic conflicts, driven not only by political leaders but also by the collective intent of the populace through their civil and student organizations.
Point of View
I emphasize the critical need for dialogue and understanding among different communities in Manipur. The recent meeting between TIM and Meitei CSOs highlights the potential for cooperative conflict resolution, which can pave the way for lasting peace. It is imperative that all parties prioritize the welfare of the state and its diverse populace.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the meeting?
The meeting aimed to discuss the peace process and address the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Who attended the meeting?
Leaders from various Civil Society Organizations representing the Thadou tribe and Meitei community attended the meeting.
When did the ethnic violence in Manipur begin?
The ethnic violence in Manipur began in May 2023.
