Making a significant stride toward peace in the trouble-hit state of Manipur, on August 1, at the Group Centre CRPF, Dayapur in the Cachar district of Assam, representatives from the Metei and Hmar communities in Jiribam District of Manipur called a critical meeting. The Jiribam District Administration presided over the 11:00 AM meeting, which was attended by important figures such as the DC Jiribam, DIG CRPF Jiribam, Sr. SP-Jiribam, Commandant 39 Assam Rifles, and Commandant 87 Bn CRPF.
The talks aimed to address persistent tensions and advance regional stability. They also reached a number of agreements intended to maintain harmony and collaboration. Specifically, both communities pledged to use all available means to bring about a return to normalcy and to stop any further acts of arson and firing.
- It was decided that all security personnel stationed in the region should cooperate completely with the community.
- Both parties committed to enabling orderly and controlled movement throughout the district.
- It was determined to examine progress and continue talks at the next meeting, which will take place after August 15, 2024.
Following several meetings in Silchar, Assam, Chief Minister N Biren Singh declared before the Assembly on August 1 that the state government is making great strides in peace talks. Although CM Singh declined to reveal the participants, he promised an announcement would be made shortly. Manipur has been grappling with intense violence since May 2023.
The clash between Meitei and Kuki communities spread to the Jiribam district bordering Assam. Hundreds of houses belonging to the Meitei people were set on fire by Kuki militants in several villages of the district. Meanwhile, a protest erupted in Imphal East district in Manipur on August 1, where the internally displaced people (IDF) came out of their camps demanding immediate and permanent settlement.
Police resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets to control the violent mob, where four protesters were reportedly injured.
