In a significant development towards restoring peace, a 16-member delegation of the Thadoau community and Meitei civil society organisations held a closed-door meeting in a hotel in Imphal Wednesday as former CM N Biren Singh asserted that there is “a need for a popular government, and it should come”.
This comes a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared a resolution extending the President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months. Last week, it was passed in the Lok Sabha.
The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) delegation arrived at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport around 9 am and was received by members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the Manipur Police. TIM described the meeting as a ‘Roadmap to Peace: Covenant of Coexistence on Community Understanding’.
This marks the first visit by the Thadou community to Imphal since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.
Meitei civil society organisations, including COCOMI, the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), the Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), Arambai Tengol and students’ bodies took part in the meeting. This was the second such meeting between Thadou and Meitei representatives; the first one was held earlier this year in Guwahati.
Sources said the meeting focused on exploring strategies to restore peace, with special attention to the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) belonging to both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The representatives who attended the meeting hinted at a second round of talks.
The Thadou delegation comprised J K Singsun, Minthang P, Samuel, C Laltanpui, James Thadou, Thangminlum, Joshur, Dr M Paosei, Jamkholun, Manggr, T Michael Lamjathang Haokip, Mehkholal, Mangminlal, Mangchungmeng, Nelkam, and Janglen.
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A statement by TIM said: “A major source of confusion between Thadou tribe and those identifying it as a Kuki tribe arises from the similarities in attire and cultural expressions. However, it is crucial to understand that the Thadou tribe is a distinct indigenous identity, while the Kuki nomenclature, as used today, has become a politicised and ideological label. The nomenclature Kuki is not a genuine ethnic identity.” “This is a defining moment in our shared history. Let us stand united in truth. The path to lasting peace in Manipur begins with clarity of identity, rejection of extremism, and a renewed commitment to coexistence,” it said.
Meanwhile, speaking on the sidelines of a programme in Imphal, Biren Singh said: “We all know how President’s Rule came to be imposed… There is a need for a popular government, and it should come. I have stood for popular government from the very beginning. Due to the situation, I was forced to resign. You all know it.”
“I understand people are facing hardship, and I wish for the presence of a popular government as well,” he said.
With PTI inputs
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