Manipur Chief Minister Initiates Dialogue with Kuki-Zo Council to Foster Peace
Efforts to Bridge Trust Gaps in Manipur
On Sunday, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, announced that the government's decision to engage in discussions with the Kuki-Zo Council marks a significant initial step towards rebuilding trust between the state's two primary ethnic groups and fostering peace.
The recent meeting, which took place on Saturday, was the first interaction between the Chief Minister and the Kuki-Zo Council since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
The Kuki-Zo Council characterized the meeting as a crucial ice-breaking session.
During the discussions, the council brought up several important issues, including the necessity to reduce tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities, the critical need to uphold the integrity of the buffer zone until a political resolution is achieved, and the demand for justice for conflict victims as a vital prerequisite for any genuine peace.
Additionally, the council emphasized the urgency of expediting the Suspension of Operations talks to secure lasting peace.
The Suspension of Operations agreement, established in 2008 between the central government, the Manipur administration, and two Kuki militant groups—the Kuki National Organisation and the United Peoples Front—was renewed in September.
This pact prohibits both security forces and militant groups from conducting operations, requiring the latter to adhere to national laws and remain within designated camps specified by the Union government.
According to the Kuki-Zo Council, the meeting concluded without any formal decisions or agreements.
In a statement, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh described the meeting as a positive start, emphasizing the need to reconcile differences among the state's 36 communities and to progress towards unity.
He urged, "Let us forgive and forget the past for a better future," as reported by his office.
These remarks were made during a press briefing following an unrelated event in Imphal.
The Kuki-Zo groups have consistently advocated for the establishment of a separate administrative arrangement in the form of a Union Territory in areas predominantly inhabited by their community, viewing this as essential for resolving the ongoing conflict. While the Meitei community predominates in the valley, the Kuki community is the majority in the hill districts.
In response, Khemchand Singh noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already affirmed that Manipur's territorial integrity will remain intact, indicating no further comments were necessary on this matter.
When asked about traffic conditions along the Imphal-Kohima highway, the Chief Minister acknowledged that while travel has resumed, underlying fears persist due to trust issues between the communities.
He stated, "This is why I prioritize addressing the trust deficit."
Henlianthang Thanglet, the chief of the Kuki-Zo Council, mentioned that the council would not have participated in the meeting under the previous administration led by BJP leader N Biren Singh. "With a new government in place, we agreed to engage," Thanglet remarked.
Since the ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023, over 260 individuals have lost their lives, and more than 59,000 have been displaced. Violence has sporadically escalated in 2024 and 2025.
Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister in February 2025 amid accusations from Kuki-Zomi-Hmar groups of a biased response to the violence and fostering majoritarianism.
Following his resignation, Manipur was placed under President's Rule for a year until Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister on February 4.