In a first such meeting since the outbreak of ethnic tensions in Manipur nearly three years ago, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh held talks with leaders of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in Guwahati on Saturday evening. The meeting, which lasted for around one hour and 45 minutes, is being seen as an initial step towards dialogue, although no formal decisions were taken.The interaction began at around 7 pm and was largely described as an ice-breaking session. It marked the first direct engagement between the Manipur government and Kuki-Zo leadership after prolonged unrest involving the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
During the meeting, the KZC delegation raised several key concerns. Among the main issues discussed was the urgent need to reduce tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities. The delegation also stressed that justice for victims of the conflict must be ensured before any meaningful peace process can move forward. The council further highlighted the importance of maintaining the existing buffer zone until a political solution is reached. It also called for speeding up the ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) talks, stating that timely progress in these discussions is necessary for long-term peace in the region.
Chief Minister Biren Singh, in response, shared the steps taken by his government to restore normalcy in Manipur. He also spoke about his concerns and assured that efforts are being made to bring stability back to the state. According to the statement, the Chief Minister appreciated the KZC’s initiative to engage in dialogue during a difficult time. Despite detailed discussions, the meeting ended without any agreement or concrete outcome. However, officials indicated that such interactions could help build trust and open the way for future talks.
