New Delhi: On Thursday, the BJP government in Manipur achieved a notable milestone by facilitating a peace agreement between the Meitei and the Hmar communities, part of the Kuki-Chin-Zo ethnic group in Jiribam district. This agreement, though initially limited to Jiribam, represents a significant step towards reestablishing peace in the region, which has been troubled by conflict.The agreement stipulates that both parties will make full efforts to restore normalcy and prevent incidents of arson and firing. An official involved in the peace process commented, The signing of the agreement, though confined to one district now, marks the first step towards resolving the ongoing conflict between the two communities and for further dialogue and reconciliation efforts, with the ultimate goal of ensuring lasting peace and stability in the troubled state.Cooperation and future meetingsAccording to the agreement, both the Meitei and Hmar groups will cooperate with all security forces operating in Jiribam and facilitate controlled and coordinated movement within the district. The parties are scheduled to reconvene for further discussions after August 15.State govts effortsEarlier on Thursday, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh updated the state assembly on the governments ongoing peace efforts. He noted that discussions have been taking place in Silchar, Assam, bordering Jiribam, and promised an announcement on further progress soon. The reconciliation meeting was held at a CRPF group centre in Dayapur, near Silchar, and was moderated by the Jiribam district administration. Representatives from the Meitei and Hmar communities, as well as other local tribal groups such as the Paite, Thadou, and Mizo, participated in the talks.Recent violence and displacementJiribam district had remained relatively unaffected by the widespread violence that began on May 3 of the previous year until June 6 of this year, when a 59-year-old Meitei farmer, Soibam Saratkumar Singh, went missing. Last month, tensions escalated when a CRPF jawan was killed, and three other security personnel were injured in an ambush by suspected militants.In a related development, displaced Meitei individuals residing in a relief camp in Imphal clashed with police during a rally demanding their right to return to their homes in Moreh, Tengnoupal district. The clash occurred amid ongoing tensions and violence in the region.
