Now Reading: Manipur talks start, Kuki group ends counter-blockade
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Manipur talks start, Kuki group ends counter-blockade
The Manipur government and the United Naga Council (UNC) held their first round of talks on Monday, which a government spokesperson called an "ice breaker". UNC president Ng Lorho said the organisation…
The Story in Brief
The Manipur government and the United Naga Council (UNC) held their first round of talks on Monday, which a government spokesperson called an "ice breaker". UNC president Ng Lorho said the organisation will not lift its blockade on National Highways 2 and 37 until its four-point charter of demands is met. Those demands include abrogation of the Suspension of Operations pact with Kuki militant groups, declaring the Kuki National Front-President a terrorist organisation, and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho.
Meanwhile, a Kuki civil society group ended its counter-inter-district economic blockade and shutdown of NH-202 after signing an agreement with the state government. The Kuki body launched the counter-blockade in July after the UNC action. The blockade has hit essential supplies and raised prices. The government has said further talks will follow.
The Indian Opinion
The familiar cycle of blockade and counter-blockade in Manipur is back, with both Naga and Kuki groups using highway closures as leverage. The government's push for talks is welcome, but the UNC's four demands, including abrogation of the SoO pact and removal of a minister, are a hard ask when the Centre controls the agreement. The Kuki body, by contrast, accepted assurances of free movement. The real test will be how many rounds of talks it takes for even one demand to be met.
Sources (2): thefederal.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
