Imphal, March 22: In a notable step towards dialogue, the Kuki-Zo Council held its first formal meeting with the Government of Manipur led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh after nearly three years of ethnic unrest in the state.
The meeting took place in Guwahati on March 21 and lasted for approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Officials described the interaction as an initial “ice-breaking” session aimed at opening channels for dialogue.
During the discussion, the Kuki-Zo Council raised key concerns, including the need to de-escalate tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul communities. The delegation also emphasised that ensuring justice for victims is essential for any meaningful peace and reconciliation process.
The council further highlighted the importance of maintaining the buffer zone until a political resolution is achieved. It also called for expediting the ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) talks to facilitate long-term stability in the region.
The Chief Minister outlined measures taken by the state government to restore normalcy and expressed appreciation for the council’s willingness to engage in dialogue during a challenging period.
No formal decisions or agreements were reached during the meeting, with both sides treating it as a preliminary step towards further negotiations.
