Manipur govt proposes additional autonomy to hill councils for peace

Since May of this yr, ethnic violence has engulfed Manipur, pitting the Kuki Tribes towards the Meitei Tribes and inflicting extreme hardships on the state’s populace. Seeking to quell the unrest and forge a political decision, the state authorities has reportedly proposed enhanced autonomy for hill space councils to the Central authorities. This measure is aimed toward appeasing the Kuki group, which has persistently advocated for distinct administration for the reason that graduation of this battle.

According to a report by The Indian Express, a supply near Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh mentioned, “Separate administration, in whatever form the Kukis are demanding is not acceptable to the government or the rest of the population in the state. However, we are ready to address the concerns of the hill tribes. We have proposed that the autonomy of the hill councils can be increased giving them greater freedom and control in the administration of hill regions. We hope Kukis will accept the offer and end the conflict.”

Envoys from the opposing factions have engaged with the Ministry of Home Affairs to hunt a center floor and resolve the discord. Reports point out that over a dozen periods have occurred involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has actively participated in a few of these periods, for the reason that battle’s inception.

AK Mishra, the Northeast’s liaison for the Centre, is engaged in distinct discussions with Kuki militant factions working below the federal government’s Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement. Additionally, on Thursday, Chief Minister N Biren Singh additionally addressed the state of affairs in Manipur, a area that has witnessed over 160 fatalities for the reason that eruption of violence on May third.

Nevertheless, sources indicated that the Kuki group may not readily embrace the proposition because of the prevailing circumstances throughout the state. According to a report by The Indian Express, a supply mentioned, “At the moment they have dug in their heels on separate administration. Only after a prolonged period of peace is established, perhaps, this will come under consideration by them. But there are other formulas too to resolve the hill-valley divide for which discussions have been going on for years.”

The Manipur authorities has additionally fashioned a five-member committee. This committee contains three Naga and two Pangal members (Meitei Muslims), led by BJP MLA and Chairman of the Hill Area Committee (HAC), Dinganglun Gangnei. The committee’s mission is to have interaction with each communities and search resolutions to their points.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, twenty sixth August 2023, safety forces in Manipur recovered 70 rounds of ammunition, 16 superior weaponry, and 16 explosive units of their search operations. These have been recovered from the northeastern state’s weak areas like Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi districts.