Centre conducting Kuki-Meitei meet to end Manipur conflict

NEW DELHI: The ministry of home affairs (MHA) is conducting a conflict-resolution meeting between Kuki and Meitei groups in a bid to mediate between the two warring sides, ANI reported citing sources.

The meeting, convened by the MHA, aims to address the core issues behind the violence and chart a roadmap for restoring peace and normalcy in the region. This move follows Union home minister Amit Shah’s recent announcement in Parliament about the Centre’s commitment to dialogue and resolution, the news agency said.

Officials noted that the talks would focus on ensuring law and order, promoting reconciliation, and rebuilding trust between the two communities amid continued tension in the northeastern state.

Meanwhile, security forces in the state have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during ongoing search operations and area domination exercises in vulnerable hill and valley regions, according to an official statement. In one notable operation near Laisoi hill under Keibul Lamjao Police Station in Bishnupur district, troops seized SLR rifles, carbines, and several live rounds, highlighting continued efforts to curb militant activity in the state.

This comes as the authority's effort to bring back normalcy to the northeastern state that has witnessed political unrest since May, 2023, with over 250 people killed and thousands homeless.

The Centre confirmed the imposition of President's rule in the state on Friday after CM N Biren resigned from the post earlier this year.