Efforts on to find peace; Naga MLAs roped in to talk to Kukis

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Manipur putting across their demands, a concerted effort is on to find a solution to ensure lasting peace in the state, which has been ravaged by ethnic violence since May 3. While the Kuki groups are adamant on a separate administration, Meiteis are insisting that the integrity of Manipur is non-negotiable. Backchannel negotiations are proceeding with different groups at several layers.

Even Naga MLAs have been engaged in talks with Kuki groups. Thousands of protesters on Saturday held a massive rally, organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, in Imphal. The rally, the largest after the 2001 rally against the division of Manipur, started from Thangmeiband and culminated at Hapta Kangjeibung, covering around 8 km.

The rally demanded an end to illegal immigration and narco terrorism, no separate administration arrangement, no creation of a state within the state, full implementation of NRC in the state, convening of a special assembly session by August 5, 2023, and to take a resolution to save the integrity of Manipur and convey the same to the Centre and abrogation of suspension of operation agreement with Kuki militant outfits. Kuki-Zo organisations had earlier met Union home minister Amit Shah. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been holding talks with several Kuki organisations recently.