Imphal: For the first time since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur last year, a number of MLAs of Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities are set to hold a joint meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday under the supervision of the home ministry, officials said.
Three Naga MLAs will attend the meeting in the national capital, while the exact number of Meitei and Kuki legislators to participate is not yet clear, they said. "The talks are part of the Centre's efforts to facilitate a dialogue between the warring communities and seek a solution to the crisis," an official told PTI.
Over 200 people have been killed in ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023. "From the Naga side, three MLAs Awangbou Newmai, L Dikho and Ram Muivah will be attending the meeting in New Delhi. Muivah is currently in the national capital over a personal issue," an official source said.
All three MLAs are from the Naga People's Front (NPF), an ally of the ruling BJP in the state. "A few Meitei MLAs, all of them from the BJP, have already left for New Delhi, while others are scheduled to depart today," the source said.
The participating Naga MLAs were hopeful of a positive outcome as they left for New Delhi on Monday. "That is the need of the hour (to bring all communities together). See we initiate a lot of peace processes but unless and until all the communities participate it's difficult. That is why I think this time the initiative of the Home Ministry is a very good sign. Let's see how best we can sit together and have a dialogue and participate and listen to everyone and see how best we can take up the initiative," Losii Dikho, Naga MLA from Mao Assembly Constituency, told PTI.
"I can't say I am representing the Nagas but we have been asked to come to discuss certain things. I do not know the exact agenda as of now but will see what is the actual agenda. For bringing peace, from day one we have been trying to explore all means so let's see," Awangbow Newmai, Naga MLA and Manipur Water Resource Minister said.
The Congress party, emphasising the importance of the opposition's role in the democratic process, raised concerns about their exclusion from the key meeting.
"In a democratic state and country, the participation of opposition is also highly required. Because the magnitude of the present unprecedented turmoil will require participation from all sections of society and all political parties. That will be very positive if such a meeting happens. So far it's too early to say anything," Keisham Meghachandra Singh, Congress Manipur President said.
