Imphal: The World Meetei Council, a Manipur-based civil society organization, has urged Kuki and Meitei legislators to set aside political differences and take immediate responsibility for resolving the ethnic conflict in the state.
In a recent statement, the Council acknowledged that “wrongs have occurred on both sides” and questioned how long the people should continue to bear the pain.
The council said, “The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted for over two years and two months, with countless lives disrupted, families shattered, and communities divided. Despite several efforts, the Centre has not been able to bring about the desired resolution.”
The World Meetei Council’s plea highlights the urgent need for local political leadership to bridge divides and work towards a lasting peace.
The Council asked Kuki and Meitei legislators “to rise above politics and take ownership of the crisis”.
“Above all, the most crucial role now lies with our MLAs. You have the people’s mandate. You must act. The Meitei and Kuki MLAs must engage with each other, not wait for external intervention. You must lead – because if our elected representatives do not act, then who will?” the Meitei organisation said.
WMC strongly believes that a single but meaningful step in the right direction can begin the journey towards normalcy, the statement said.
The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President’s rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.
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The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
