Meitei, Kuki, and Naga MLAs to Hold Talks in Delhi on October 15

In a significant development, MLAs from the Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities will convene for talks in New Delhi on October 15, marking the first time these groups have engaged in discussions since the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs under Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to address the ongoing crisis and work towards restoring peace in the region.

Some of the Meitei MLAs/Ministers who would take part in the talk are Thongam Biswajit, Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata, Thounaojam Basantakumar, Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Dr Sapam Ranjan, Thokchom Radheshyam and Tongbram Robindro.

The Kuki community will be represented by Letpao Haokip, Paolienlal Haokip, Haokholet Kipgen and a few others.

Naga MLAs/Ministers namely; Awangbow Newmai, L Dikho and Ram Muivah will also take part in the talk.

Sources indicate that some MLAs have already arrived in Delhi, while others are expected to depart from Imphal shortly. A pre-meeting with Chief Minister N Biren was held, although details remain sparse.

Awangbou Newmai, a Naga MLA, expressed optimism about the talks, stating that discussions are necessary to explore avenues for peace, even though the agenda remains unspecified. In contrast, Keisham Meghachandra, the State Congress Chief, criticized the lack of transparency and the exclusion of the opposition from discussions that he deemed crucial for the public.

The Kuki community’s stance has been firm, insisting that any outcome that does not provide for a separate administration or Union Territory will be unacceptable, citing concerns for their safety in a unified administrative structure with the Meitei community.

As the discussions approach, all eyes are on the outcomes that could shape the future of Manipur.