Meitei, Kuki, Naga MLAs of Manipur to meet in Delhi on Tuesday

IMPHAL: A group of MLAs from Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities in Manipur are scheduled to convene in New Delhi on Tuesday for a joint meeting, the first of its kind since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state last year. The meeting will be held under the supervision of the home ministry, according to officials.

While the precise number of Meitei and Kuki legislators attending the meeting remains uncertain, three Naga MLAs have confirmed their participation.

"The talks are part of the Centre's efforts to facilitate a dialogue between the warring communities and seek a solution to the crisis," an official said.

The ethnic violence in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023, has claimed the lives of more than 200 people.

"From the Naga side, three MLAs – Awangbou Newmai, L Dikho and Ram Muivah – will be attending the meeting in New Delhi. Muivah is currently in the national capital over a personal issue," an official source said.

All three MLAs are from the Naga People's Front (NPF), an ally of the ruling BJP in the state.

"A few Meitei MLAs, all of them from the BJP, have already left for New Delhi, while others are scheduled to depart today," the source said.