The Manipur Congress has welcomed the recent talks held between Meitei and Kuki legislators in Delhi, aimed at resolving the ethnic crisis that has gripped the state for 17 months. However, the party questioned the absence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, noting that their presence was crucial for a comprehensive solution.
Manipur Congress President K Meghachandra expressed disappointment, stating, “We appreciate the initiative, but this meeting should have been convened much earlier to save lives. The absence of CM Biren Singh and Amit Shah undermines the gravity of the discussions.” The talks, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, involved key legislators from both Meitei and Kuki communities but excluded opposition members and civil society groups. Meghachandra argued that involving a broader range of stakeholders would have made the talks more meaningful.
Kuki MLA Paolienlal Haokip, not invited to the talks, emphasized that the crisis was political and required a political solution, while the United People’s Front (UPF) reiterated demands for a separate tribal administration under the Indian Constitution.
