- By Abhishek Sheoran
- Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:47 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has convened a meeting in New Delhi with lawmakers from the Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities to find a solution to the long-standing ethnic conflict in Manipur and restore peace. This is the first such meeting aimed at bringing an end to the year-long violence in the state.
Officials reported that three Naga legislators would participate in the meeting in the national capital. However, it remains unclear how many representatives from the Meitei and Kuki communities will attend.
The meeting marks the central government’s efforts to initiate dialogue among the warring communities and seek a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, over 200 people have lost their lives. The three Naga legislators attending the meeting are Awangbow Newmai, L Dikho, and Ram Muivah, who are members of the Naga People's Front (NPF), an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
Several Meitei legislators, all affiliated with the BJP, have left for Delhi, local media reported from Imphal. According to reports, all participating lawmakers from the Naga, Kuki and Meitei communities received personal invitations through letters and phone calls from the Home Ministry.
Speaking to reporters at Imphal Airport, Awangbow Newmai stated, "We have been called to Delhi to discuss certain issues, though the exact agenda is not yet known. We are exploring all ways to bring peace." Echoing a similar sentiment, L Dikho remarked, "Peace in Manipur will be hard to achieve unless all communities and people are included. The Home Ministry’s initiative is a good sign, and I have hopes for it. I want to participate and see how far we can take this initiative."
However, the meeting has drawn criticism from the opposition. State Congress President K Meghachandra welcomed the initiative but expressed disappointment over the exclusion of opposition members, saying, “Any initiative to reach a solution is good, but the opposition has not been invited to the meeting.”
Meanwhile, in a joint operation with Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security forces, the Indian Army recently recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from different parts of the state. According to officials, the operation was carried out last week based on specific intelligence inputs, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Monday.
This initiative by the Home Ministry is seen as a crucial step toward fostering dialogue and de-escalating tensions in the strife-hit state.