The central government is hopeful of finding a solution to the ethnic strife in Manipur through dialogues in the next three months. According to a senior official, a series of meetings with Kuki and Meitei groups will be planned at different levels to understand their demands. Sources also indicate that any further decision regarding Manipur will be considered only after at least three months.
Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023 after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, over 220 people belonging to both Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel have been killed in the continuing violence.
“This period is not restrictive, but we are hopeful that by October, the central government will achieve some solutions through dialogues. Both groups will share their concerns with central government representatives through sufficient rounds of meetings, aiming to settle the situation,” said the senior official.
“Similarly, the government will make it clear that no unwarranted demands from any group will be entertained. Concerns leading to any type of division among the societies in the state will not be addressed,” the official added.
Through dialogues, the government will also push for the recovery of weapons, which is currently very low.
“We have managed to recover 2,000 weapons, but now the recovery rate is very low. Locals are hesitant to return weapons, and in the last year, not even 50% of weapons have been recovered. Appeals will be made to assist in the recovery of weapons,” the official further said.
The central government is likely to involve leaders from various fields to assist in dialogues and facilitate grassroots-level solutions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting this week with senior officials, including from the Army, to review the situation in Manipur. Shah conducted a comprehensive review of the security situation and directed measures to prevent further incidents of violence. He emphasised the potential increase in deployment of central forces, if necessary, strategically ensuring peace. Strict legal action against perpetrators of violence was also mandated.
Amit Shah reviewed the situation in relief camps as well, particularly ensuring adequate provisions of food, water, medicines, and basic amenities. He instructed the Chief Secretary of Manipur to ensure proper health, education facilities, and rehabilitation for displaced people.
“Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict. The Ministry of Home Affairs will engage with both Meitei and Kuki groups to bridge ethnic divides as soon as possible. The Government of India continues to actively support the Manipur Government in enhancing state security,” the Home Ministry said after the meeting.
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