October 14, 2024: In a significant development, Manipur's MLAs from the Meitei and Kuki communities are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on Tuesday for peace talks, marking the first time since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in May 2023. The meeting, which will be supervised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to foster dialogue and reconciliation between the two communities.

Naga MLAs, who have been mediating discussions over the past ten months, will also participate in the talks. They have previously met with Meitei and Kuki representatives separately in neutral locations such as Kolkata and Guwahati. This upcoming meeting, however, represents a pivotal moment as both communities come together under one roof.

An official from the state government noted, “Many MLAs have already reached Delhi, and others are expected to arrive today. While we cannot confirm the number of Kuki MLAs attending, we have received assurances that representatives from all communities will be present.”

Since the ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, many tribal MLAs, including ministers, have left Imphal due to safety concerns. They have taken refuge in various cities, including Delhi, Guwahati, and Kolkata, citing threats to their lives. The tribal representatives have largely avoided returning to Imphal, opting instead to travel through alternative routes when visiting the state.

As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the clashes, this meeting is seen as a critical step towards restoring peace and stability in Manipur.