NEW DELHI: Talks between a team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials and Kuki bodies in Imphal failed to reach a consensus on lifting road blockades imposed by tribal communities in the state. The tribal groups are demanding a separate Union Territory status and continue to oppose the Centre’s plan to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) near the Myanmar border.
According to sources familiar with the development, a two-member team from the Union Home Ministry, which arrived in Manipur on March 11, held discussions with the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), one of the key bodies representing the Kukis. However, the talks, aimed at resolving the blockade issue, ended without any agreement.
The discussions covered multiple issues, including the demand for a separate Union Territory for tribal-dominated areas, the continuation of FMR and the cessation of hostilities. However, the marathon meeting, which lasted until late Tuesday night, failed to yield any concrete outcome, sources said.
KZC representatives maintained their firm stance on these issues, preventing any resolution from being reached. Another round of talks with the KZC is expected soon, sources added.
Meanwhile, the movement of commercial vehicles remained suspended in the Kuki-Zo districts of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur on Wednesday. The blockade has been in place since March 8 the day set by the Centre for the state administration to reopen all roads for vehicular movement.
However, widespread demonstrations by tribal groups opposing the Centre’s directive led to violent clashes with security forces on March 8, resulting in one death and 25 injuries. In response, the MHA dispatched a two-member team to defuse tensions by engaging with various stakeholders.
On Wednesday, the MHA team also held discussions with a delegation from the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS).
During the meeting, AK Mishra, Adviser to the MHA on North-East affairs, reportedly informed the delegation that a roadmap for restoring peace in the state currently under President’s Rule had been prepared and was being implemented.
The first phase of this roadmap includes the surrender of weapons, reopening of roads and curbing activities of armed groups. However, the reopening of roads has been strongly opposed by tribal bodies, who argue that allowing people from the Imphal Valley into the hill districts could escalate clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
All eyes are now on the next round of talks between the MHA team and the KZC.