Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Wednesday that peace talks between the Kuki and Meitei communities, who have been involved in an ongoing ethnic conflict, have begun and that peace is gradually returning to the state.
However, the Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) General Headquarters has expressed skepticism about the CM’s statements, demanding transparency and accountability. The KSO insists that the Chief Minister should disclose the precise details regarding the organization or individuals involved in these peace negotiations.
“We are not aware of any peace talks involving the Chief Minister or any valley-based CSO,” said a KSO spokesperson. “This seems to be another media stunt by the CM to placate the Centre and the public. To date, there has been no formal invitation from any Government agencies regarding any negotiations for peace talks.”
The KSO emphasizes that the CM cannot assert that negotiations for peace talks are occurring without the involvement and presence of the Central Government and the knowledge of Kuki CSOs. They also challenge the term “ethnic conflict,” arguing that it is used to conceal government misdeeds.
“This is not an ethnic conflict but a conflict against the Government of Manipur, which has used its own radical groups to stifle the emotional and rational discontentment of the Kuki-Zo people. This situation has inevitably led to demands for a separate administration to safeguard our existence,” the spokesperson added.
The KSO calls for the CM to provide clear and truthful information about the alleged peace talks and stresses the need for genuine involvement and transparency in any such negotiations.
