No breakthrough in talks with Kuki groups, MHA officials over 'free movement' initiative in Manipur

Guwahati: Talks between representatives of the MHA and Kuki organisations in Manipur could not resolve the deadlock over the Centre's move to resume "free movement" on the roads connecting the state with rest of the nation. 

Sources in Kuki organisations said a meeting continued for about three hours at the office of Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated district, on Tuesday night but it remained inconclusive.

The meeting, which was attended by officials of Kuki Zo Council, an apex body of the Kuki-Zo organisations, along with representatives from Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzwl and Jiribam districts, remained firm on their demand for suspension of SP, Kangpokpi district over the death of a Kuki protester in Kangpokpi on March 8. They also asked the MHA team to restore Free Movement Regime (FMR) and initiate talks on their core demand for a "separate administration" to end the conflict involving the Meiteis and the Kukis. 

"Our leaders stood firm on our stands and so were the representatives from MHA. So, no concrete decisions could be taken as a result. The meeting was adjourned for further discussion in the future," said a source in a Kuki organisation.

Due to the stalemate, Kuki organisations continued their blockade on the NH-2 and NH-37, disallowing entry of buses from the Imphal as per an order of Home Minister Amit Shah, issued on March 1. 

The Centre had earlier ended the FMR that allowed local tribes to cross the border with Myanmar without any travel documents. The Centre said the step was taken in order to prevent "illegal migration" from Myanmar and to check cross border crime. 

Fresh tension:

Fresh tension gripped Kuki-dominated districts on March 8 when one person died in firing by the security forces after the protesters clashed when they tried to stop a bus from Imphal. The bus was plied with escorts of paramilitary forces as per an order of Amit Shah. But Kuki organisations say the Centre must resolve their demand for a "separate administration" first before allowing the Meiteis from the Valley to move freely via Kuki-dominated areas. The administration, however, is firm on implementation of Shah's directive. 

President's Rule was promulgated in Manipur in February 13.