Guwahati, March 22: In a fresh push to restore peace in conflict-ridden Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh held a meeting with representatives of Kuki groups in Guwahati on Saturday.
The meeting, described by officials as a confidence-building measure, took place at a hotel in the city, where the Chief Minister urged community leaders to take constructive steps towards restoring normalcy in the state.
Since assuming office, Singh has been actively engaging with different stakeholders in an effort to de-escalate tensions and rebuild trust among communities affected by prolonged ethnic strife.
“Representatives of Kuki groups had a discussion with the Chief Minister. This is a confidence-building measure. The CM appealed to the Kuki community to work towards peace in Manipur,” an official said.
Sources indicated that tensions have recently escalated between Thangkhul Naga and Kuki groups in certain areas, raising fresh concerns for the state government.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has resulted in significant loss of life and large-scale displacement. Thousands have been rendered homeless, and several areas continue to remain sensitive.
Officials noted that the emerging tensions between Kuki and Naga groups have further complicated the fragile peace process, prompting the government to intensify its outreach efforts.
The Kuki-Naga conflict, which peaked in the 1990s, was rooted in disputes over land, identity, and political claims, particularly overlapping territorial demands linked to the idea of a “Greater Nagalim.” The violence during that period left over 1,000 people dead and led to widespread displacement.
With fresh efforts underway, the state government hopes that dialogue and sustained engagement will help prevent further escalation and pave the way for lasting peace.
