The Federation of Haomee warned that excluding Meitei and Naga communities from the dialogue could trigger demands for separate negotiations and deepen mistrust.
BY PC Bureau
March 24: Serious concern has emerged among both Meitei and Tangkhul Naga communities over Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s recent talks with the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in Guwahati on March 21, 2026. Civil society organisations representing these communities have raised multiple objections to the engagement and sought clarification from the Chief Minister on the process and its implications for the state’s peace efforts.
The Guwahati meeting, the first formal engagement between the Chief Minister and the KZC since ethnic violence erupted in 2023, was described by the Kuki-Zo Council as an “ice-breaking session.” Chief Minister Khemchand later defended the outreach as a first step towards reducing the trust deficit and restoring peace in the conflict-hit state.
Tangkhul Naga Working Committee raises objections
Expressing dismay over the Guwahati talks, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long has highlighted what it termed a breakdown of law and order and questioned the State government’s actions on multiple fronts. The committee specifically criticised the Chief Minister’s engagement with the KZC, pointing out that a December 18, 2024 press release by the Manipur government had dismissed the organisation’s legitimacy. It sought clarification on why the Chief Minister’s office initiated a meeting with the KZC chairman on March 17 and subsequently held talks on March 21 in Guwahati.
The committee objected to discussions reportedly held during the Guwahati meeting on the Tangkhul Naga–Kuki conflict in Ukhrul district without any Tangkhul Naga representation, calling the move “inconsiderate” and a deviation from democratic norms. It also raised concerns over security along NH-202, citing reports on March 22 of alleged Kuki militants collecting taxes from vehicles despite government assurances of safe passage. The committee refuted claims by some Kuki civil society groups alleging NSCN-IM involvement in the violence, calling such allegations “fabricated,” and stated that Tangkhul Nagas have been defending their areas through local volunteers.
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The committee made several demands from the State government to restore peace and public confidence, including:
- Immediate intervention in Sinakeithei village and action against violations of the SoO agreement
- Deployment of Road Opening Parties (ROP) along NH-202 from Litan to Mahadev to ensure safe passage
- Legal action against individuals and platforms allegedly spreading misinformation and inciting violence online
- Clarification from the Chief Minister regarding engagement with the KZC and exclusion of Tangkhul Naga representatives
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COCOMI objects to venue outside Manipur
The decision to hold the talks outside Manipur drew sharp criticism from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the apex body of civil society groups. While welcoming the peace initiative, COCOMI convener YK Dhiren said holding the talks in Guwahati undermined the authority of the Chief Minister’s office and disrespected the people of Manipur.
Addressing a press conference in Imphal, Dhiren asserted that meaningful dialogue should have taken place within the state, suggesting available venues such as Imphal, Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel or Tengnoupal. He further alleged that civil society groups, who have actively contributed to peace efforts since the beginning of the crisis, were neither consulted nor informed about the Guwahati talks.
Federation of Haomee calls for inclusive talks
Meanwhile, the Federation of Haomee strongly opposed the March 21 talks, stating that any dialogue process excluding Meitei and Naga stakeholders was unacceptable. Sapamcha Jadumani, president of the Federation of Haomee, asserted that negotiations involving the KZC must also include representatives of Meitei and Naga communities, warning that unilateral talks could trigger similar demands for separate negotiations from other groups.
The federation also alleged that Kuki-Zo groups had been involved in acts of violence, including attacks on civilians, and argued that initiating dialogue without addressing these grievances was unacceptable. It questioned the legitimacy of the KZC, noting that the Manipur government had earlier, in December 2024, stated that no such organisation existed. The federation further raised concerns over the citizenship and origin of some participants, alleging links to Myanmar.
Political context and next steps
Ahead of the Guwahati meeting, Chief Minister Khemchand chaired a high-level review at the New Secretariat in Imphal with Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, DGP Rajiv Singh, and security advisor Kuldiep Singh. Sources added that following the Guwahati talks, the Chief Minister is scheduled to travel to New Delhi to meet central leaders and discuss cabinet expansion.
The combined reactions from COCOMI, the Federation of Haomee, and the Tangkhul Naga Working Committee underscore the sensitivity surrounding any attempt to restart negotiations in Manipur, where questions of representation, territorial integrity, and accountability remain deeply conteste
