A delegation of ten political parties has requested Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uike to initiate peace talks between the two communities to restore peace and normalize the situation in the state.
This information was given in a statement issued from Raj Bhawan. A team led by Congress Legislature Party leader and former Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh submitted a memorandum to the Governor on Friday evening.
The memorandum said that peace cannot be restored in the state without the intervention of the Centre, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The statement said an immediate initiative was called for peace talks between the two communities so that a permanent solution to the ongoing conflict could be found.
Earlier, ITLF, the main organization of the Kuki-Zo tribal group in Manipur, had on Wednesday threatened to set up a “self-governing separate administration” in the areas where these tribes are in majority. It was only after this threat that the delegation met the Governor. The State Government strongly condemned the statement regarding “Separate Autonomous Administration” in Kuki-Zo community dominated districts and termed it illegal.
The delegation urged Uike to contact the Prime Minister and ask him to take the initiative in dialogue with the struggling communities.
The delegation also appealed to the Governor to call a meeting of all political parties in Manipur with the Prime Minister to find a solution to the conflict.
The delegation included representatives of Aam Aadmi Party, AIFB, Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India, Marxist Communist Party, Janata Dal (United), Nationalist Congress Party, RSP and SS(UBT).
The statement issued by the Raj Bhavan said, “Every possible step will be taken to start the dialogue process and she will approach the Prime Minister to initiate talks with all political parties in the state.” It also said that he has submitted a report regarding the disturbed situation and is in touch with central leaders.
Manipur has been hit by violence several times since ethnic conflict first erupted in May and more than 180 people have been killed.
The Meitei people constitute about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including the Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and live mainly in the hill districts.
