Manipur violence: Kuki and Meitei groups to boycott Centre’s peace panel

The incident occurred in the Lailoiphai area of Churachandpur district, near the border with Bishnupur district. The victim was identified as N Muansang, a 22-year-old village defence volunteer. 

Simultaneously, an exchange of gunfire took place in the border region between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts, leaving eight individuals reportedly injured.

The incidents occurred on the same day Governor Anusuiya Uikey visited Churachandpur to assess the situation at three relief camps.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed for peace. “We understand that people across the state are reeling under untold hardship due to the present crisis. But it is about time to take a step back and give peace a chance. Let us not be driven by emotion. Let the government handle the situation,” he said.

Kuki and Meitei to boycott peace panel

However, both Kuki-Zomi and Meitei communities expressed a lack of faith in the leadership refusing to participate in the peace committee.

The recently formed ‘Core Committee on Separate Administration’ — which includes MLAs representing Kuki-Zomi communities and tribal bodies such as the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the Zomi Council and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum informed that CSOs, tribe bodies, and individuals should not engage in the peace committee.

“Even though peace has been our earnest desire, to talk about peace in the shadow of continued violence, exploitation and oppression is an exercise which will prove futile. And to include N Biren Singh, the main perpetrator of this violence, as member of the peace committee in itself is an insult to the Zomi, Kuki, Hmar and Mizo communities,” said a statement issued by them, as cited by an Indian Express article. 

Separately, Kuki Inpi Manipur, the president of which was made a member of the peace committee, said it did not have “an iota of hope and confidence in the peace committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs where… CM N Biren Singh is accorded membership…”

Updated: 13 Jun 2023, 08:53 AM IST