Mugdha Das

Peace initiative in Manipur in first phase: MHA

Digital Desk: On the road towards peace efforts in the Strife-Hit Northeast State of Manipur, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs North East, AK Mishra, has conducted two important meetings in the Northeast State of Manipur.

In this regard, one meeting has been conducted with representatives of the Federation of Civil Society in State Capital Imphal, and another with Kuki-Zo leaders in Churachandpur district of the Strife-Torn northeast state of Manipur.

While the meeting with FOCS was deemed productive, the discussions with Kuki-Zo leaders ended without any concrete resolutions.

During the meeting with FOCS in State Capital Imphal, spokesperson Ngangbam Chamcham Singh informed the media that Mishra provided a reassuring update on the implementation of the roadmap for peace.

AK Mishra, in the meantime, confirmed that the peace initiative in Manipur had already entered its first phase, which focuses on the surrender of weapons, followed by the reopening of roads and addressing the activities of armed groups.

Additionally, Mishra clarified the status of the suspension of the Operation Agreement, stating that while it had lapsed, it had not been abrogated and would be revisited soon.

The meeting also saw positive discussions on the Manipur Governor's appeal for weapon surrender, which had been extended following directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

FOCS representatives expressed satisfaction with the steps outlined and the commitment shown by Mishra's office to address key issues.

However, the meeting with Kuki-Zo leaders, reportedly held in Churachandpur, which lasted for almost three hours, proved to be less productive.

It is to be mentioned that the discussion centered on the recent Kangpokpi issue, Free Movement, the demand for a Separate Administration Union Territory, and the cessation of hostilities, among other district-specific concerns.

Despite a series of back-and-forth exchanges, Kuki-Zo leaders remained firm in their stance, and no progress was made on resolving these contentious issues.

Mishra, alongside his team, remained steadfast in their position, but the lack of any breakthrough led to the adjournment of the meeting without concrete decisions.

While the meeting with FOCS was marked by positive steps and mutual understanding, the talks with Kuki-Zo leaders ended in a deadlock, with both sides agreeing that further discussions would be necessary to bridge the gap and reach a resolution.