“We cannot change our neighbours,” says World Meitei Council (WMC), warning against perpetual hostility and calling for mutual respect and coexistence.
BY PC Bureau
The World Meetei Council (WMC) has made a rare call for reconciliation, proposing dialogue between communities in Manipur in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal in Imphal for peace and unity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, WMC stressed that any lasting solution to the state’s turmoil must be based on “fairness, peace and mutual respect.”
“There can be no lasting or meaningful solution to the present situation in Manipur unless both sides agree on terms rooted in fairness, peace, and mutual respect,” the council said.
Rejecting attempts to play to outside audiences, the WMC cautioned against moves aimed at impressing the Government of India, the national media, or civil society groups.
To the Respected Kuki-Zo Council,
Greetings from the World Meetei Council!
We invite your attention to the reality that there can be no lasting or logical solution to the present situation in Manipur unless we both are prepared to come to terms – not on your terms, nor on our… pic.twitter.com/k2daIG2Vak
— World Meetei Council (@WorldMeeteiConv) September 14, 2025
“The Government of India acts not on our behalf, nor yours, but on its own national interest,” the statement read. “At times, it may appear to favour one side, but such instances should not be mistaken as acceptance of our respective demands.”
The council noted that New Delhi’s strategic priorities in the Northeast — particularly in Manipur — shape its position. “The national interest dictates that the Northeast, and Manipur in particular, must remain as it is,” it stated.
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Announcing its proposal for dialogue, WMC said it wanted to create a preliminary platform for exchanging ideas before moving to a more structured discussion.
“In this context, WMC proposes to initiate a process of dialogue between us, serving as a preliminary platform to exchange ideas and prepare the ground for a more structured and meaningful discussion,” the statement said.
The council underlined that the initiative was independent of the government or any other state or non-state actors. “Our sole objective is to seek a path forward that strengthens peace and stability,” it explained.
Drawing on its past experience, WMC pointed to its involvement after the 2015 Churachandpur incident, when nine lives were lost in police firing.
“WMC’s leadership has long experience in navigating sensitive issues towards logical solutions,” it noted. “This is not about publicity. We mean serious business.”
The council warned of dire consequences if hostility continues, stressing the futility of prolonged conflict.
“The truth is simple—we cannot change our neighbours. It is in no one’s interest to live in perpetual hostility with those next door. Mutual respect and coexistence are the only sustainable way forward,” the statement said.
While clarifying that it did not represent the entire Meetei community, WMC asserted that it had both the vision and determination to take the first step.
“We humbly state that we do not claim to speak on behalf of the entire Meetei community. However, we have the determination to initiate this conversation with you,” the council said, concluding with a prayer: “May peace and wisdom prevail for the people of Manipur.”
