Meitei-based civil society organisations have confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced a six-point resolution aimed at restoring peace in Manipur, where ethnic violence has persisted for nearly two years. Representatives from the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) described the resolution as a significant move towards reconciliation, following their participation in peace talks with Kuki-Zo representatives in New Delhi.

MHA Facilitates Historic Dialogue Between Meitei and Kuki Representatives

On April 5, 2025, for the first time since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023, representatives from the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities came together in a face-to-face meeting facilitated by the Union Home Ministry. The discussion was part of a renewed initiative by the Centre to address the ongoing conflict and chart a path toward peace in the violence-hit northeastern state.

The Meitei delegation included six members from AMUCO and FOCS, while the Kuki side was represented by approximately nine members from the Kuki-Zo Council. This meeting was notably more productive than a previous effort in October 2024, when a proposed gathering of Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga MLAs did not take place due to the unwillingness of legislators to share the same space. At that time, each group met central interlocutors separately, despite being at the same venue.

A Six-Point Resolution to End the Impasse

Addressing the media on Monday, AMUCO President Nando Luwang revealed that the MHA had extended a verbal invitation to the Meitei organisations to attend the meeting. "The dialogue was a positive step forward. We joined the meeting without any preconditions and presented the concerns of the people to the MHA," said Luwang. He noted that MHA official A.K. Mishra, who represented the central government, encouraged all parties to engage in solution-oriented discussions rather than debates.

Following detailed discussions, ministry officials drafted a six-point resolution and circulated it among the participants for review. "We gave our consent to the six points after examining them for any omissions or commissions," Luwang stated. Though the specific contents of the resolution have not been disclosed publicly, Luwang mentioned that it includes an appeal to both communities to refrain from further violence.

He said, “The MHA has asked the civil society organisations to appeal to the people on both sides to refrain from violence. All long-term contentious issues will be addressed with the MHA through dialogue and consultation with the communities.”

He emphasised the significance of the meeting and the central government's efforts in initiating a structured peace process. “There were many advantages to attending the meeting, which was initiated by the MHA to find solutions to the issues in the state. The April 5 meeting marks the beginning of a roadmap for the peace process and peaceful coexistence in the state,” he added.

Luwang also indicated that ministry officials had hinted at more rounds of dialogue in the future, aimed at securing a lasting and peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Firm Stand on Manipur's Territorial Integrity

BM Shah, acting president of FOCS, reiterated a firm stance on preserving the territorial integrity of the state amid the discussions. “There will be no compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur,” he asserted, underscoring a key concern for the Meitei community as talks progress.

Ethnic Conflict and Political Crisis

Ethnic violence between the Meitei community, primarily residing in the Imphal valley, and the Kuki population based in the surrounding hill districts, has gripped Manipur since May 2023. The conflict has claimed the lives of around 260 people, with numerous others injured or displaced. During the early stages of the unrest, thousands of arms and ammunition were looted from various police stations across the state, exacerbating tensions and violence.

The political situation in the state further deteriorated when President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9. Although the Manipur Legislative Assembly remains intact, its functioning has been suspended, placing it under suspended animation until further notice. The current term of the assembly extends until 2027.

Path Forward for Peace

The recent dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo representatives, guided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, marks a turning point in the prolonged crisis in Manipur. While the situation remains complex and fragile, the six-point resolution and the expressed commitment to continued dialogue offer a new, hopeful trajectory for peace and reconciliation in the region. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this roadmap can truly translate into lasting harmony and stability.