Kuki Leadership Sets Conditions Ahead of April 5 Peace Talks with Meitei Groups

As the Ministry of Home Affairs prepares to host peace talks between Kuki Zo and Meitei groups on April 5 in New Delhi, Kuki leaders from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district have announced three key pre-conditions for their participation.

Henlianthang Thanglet, chairman of the Kuki Zo Council (KZC), stated that the conditions were finalized during a consultation meeting held by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi.

The pre-conditions are as follows:

Strict restriction on movement between Meitei individuals in Kuki-Zo majority areas and vice versa.

Minimum six-month halt to hostilities to allow space for peace negotiations.

Initiation of a formal and structured dialogue during the ceasefire period.

A member of the KZC confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has officially scheduled the meeting between the two communities.

Background of Ongoing Ethnic Violence in Manipur

Since May 2023, violence between the Meiteis of Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo communities from the surrounding hill districts has led to the deaths of over 250 individuals and displacement of thousands. The conflict began after Kuki groups organized a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in response to Meitei demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Despite various central government initiatives, a lasting resolution has remained elusive. The imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, marked a significant shift in the state's governance.

The upcoming talks aim to ease tensions and build trust between the communities under a controlled and peaceful environment.

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