As part of the ongoing initiatives to restore peace in Manipur, a state torn by over 18 months of strife, Meitei, Kuki, and Naga MLAs are set to hold a meeting in the national capital, New Delhi, on Tuesday.
However, Kuki MLAs are unlikely to participate in the said meeting according to reliable sources.
The meeting was convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs through phone calls, rather than formal invitations.
Since the clashes broke out on May 3, 2023, this meeting likely to be held on Tuesday will mark the first time MLAs and ministers from the Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities will sit together in the same room to discuss the crisis.
Speaker Th Satyabrata and MLA T Robindro left for New Delhi on Sunday, while State Law Minister Th Basanta Kumar, State IPR Minister S Ranjan, and MLAs Th Radheshyam, Shyamkumar, and Kh Raghumani are expected to arrive in Delhi on Monday.
In addition, Minister Awangbow Newmai, along with NPF MLAs Losii Dikho and Ram Muivah, are also expected to attend the meeting.
BJP MLA T Robindro said “I was informed by the Home Ministry office to attend the meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday as part of the initiatives to restore peace in Manipur.”
He added, “I have no idea who else from the Meitei or Naga legislators will attend, but this may be the first step towards peace in the strife-torn state.”
Attempts to contact some of the Kuki legislators were unsuccessful. However, reliable sources indicated that the 10 Kuki-Zo legislators will not attend the meeting, as they remain firm on their demand for a ‘separate administration.’
Manipur PCC president K Meghachandra told Imphal Free Press, “If it’s aimed at finding a solution, it’s a good initiative, but the opposition has not been invited to the meeting. So, we don’t have a comment on it,” said Meghachandra.
“Our issue is very serious. While a positive outcome would benefit the entire population, since there was no meeting to discuss this and the opposition was not invited, we have no comment on the matter. Let’s wait and see the outcome of the meeting,” he added.
Meghachandra emphasized that the participation of opposition members is crucial due to the unprecedented turmoil in the state, which requires the involvement of all stakeholders. He further stated, “It is too early to comment on the matter, let’s see the outcome.”
MLA Losii Dikho, in an interaction, said “I am very hopeful when the Home Ministry is calling representatives from all communities, especially the MLAs. I believe some meaningful discussion will take place.
It’s a very positive approach. We’ve initiated many peace processes, but unless all communities participate, real progress is difficult. This time, the Home Ministry’s initiative is a good sign, and that’s why I am going to participate in the meeting. Let’s see how far we can take this initiative.”
He added, “We should encourage all communities to participate in such discussions, though that kind of initiative has not been fully undertaken so far. But let’s hope for a meaningful outcome.”
Coincidentally, the Governor of Manipur, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, also left for Delhi on Monday. However, it is yet to be ascertained whether he will be attending the meeting or not.
