Manipur: Kuki-Zo's demand for separate administration blocks peace talks, says COCOMI

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba criticised recent peace talks between Kuki-Zo representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs, stating that demands for separate administration before dialogue indicate an intent to prolong violence in the region.

 

"The Kuki-Zo Council setting a pre-condition for peace restoration during the meeting is very unfortunate. Such meeting has expose themselves rather than making any significant political progress," Athouba said, addressing media questions about the recent negotiations.

 

The talks have reached an impasse, with the Indian government calling for peace restoration before political dialogue while Kuki-Zo representatives insist on administrative separation as a prerequisite for discussions. Similar demands were repeated during a recent meeting between Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) delegates and the newly appointed governor in Churachandpur.

 

Athouba urged the central government to take decisive action against groups using violence to advance their agenda. "Government of India is taking enough time, more than necessary to convince these people who doesn't make any sensible decision or proposal to government," he stated.

 

Athouba also said that the Meitei community doesn’t have any objective or purpose to engage in the ongoing violence.

 

COCOMI called on the central government to address pressing humanitarian concerns, including reopening national highways, facilitating the return of displaced persons, and implementing a comprehensive disarmament program for armed civilians in the region.