Men or for that matter women are imperfect creatures. Be people in Manipur, rest of north east India or in New Delhi -- everyone will fall under that category.
But what is important is that efforts should be made continuously to improve things or resolve issues between one section of people and the other.
In Manipur, there is a realism. Nobody thinks that this mutual isolation and confrontation between Meiteis and Kukis can bring any benefit.
But still things are easier said than done and much tougher is to get some expected results. But ethnic differences persist.
Recently a crucial meeting was held in Delhi between Home Ministry officials and a delegation from COCOMI.
The Meitei body reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace and its willingness to cooperate in all genuine efforts to restore normalcy.
This means there is a ray of hope. This ray is emerging from a pin hole and the onus is on the central government to act on it by making effective use of this rather hard-earned opportunity. The fact of the matter is efforts were initiated by the centre earlier too.
But the sincerity was lacking on the part of some organisations those who came forward for dialogue trying to represent the Kukis.
The Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi people clashed in 2023 after the High Court directives to the state government to send its comments to centre within a specified timeframe.
This entitled Meiteis to the same economic, education and other benefits and much importantly quotas in government jobs and education as the Kukis.
It could allow Meiteis to buy land in the hills, where the Kukis predominately live.
This sparked off fears. The north-eastern states have a history of ethnic rivalries.
This means things are complex.
The Kuki Zo Council last time left 'peace protagonists' among the Government of India officials displeased.
The loosely formed conglomeration of politically ambitious lot let down the Sarkari mandarins in Delhi. Apparently they declined to sign any joint document.
Paradoxically, suddenly they 'realised' that they were not authorised.
And hence things were derailed and slowed for sometime.
On April 5th, Meitei-based civil organisations - All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) - attended peace talks with Kuki-Zo representatives along with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials.
A six-point charter was also mooted as a roadmap to ensure long term peace in the state.
For the first time since ethnic violence started in Manipur, the representatives of the warring Meitei and Kuki communities met face-to-face on April 5 as the Centre intensified efforts to restore peace and bring back normalcy in the northeastern state.
Addressing reporters, AMUCO president Nando Luwang later said, - “There were many advantages to attending the meeting, which was initiated by the Home Ministry. The April 5 meeting marks the beginning of a roadmap for the peace process and peaceful coexistence in the state.”
These were positive signs.
The May 27th meeting between COCOMI and Govt of India representatives A K Mishra (Advisor, North East) and Rajesh Khambale, Joint Director in the MHA; was thus an eye opener.
"COCOMI reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace and its willingness to cooperate in all genuine efforts to restore normalcy.
It urged the Government of India to take prompt and effective action against anti-peace elements that continue to undermine peace initiatives," said a press statement made available in New Delhi.
The government will now have to take things to the next level. Here comes some webs of inherent contradictions and complexities.
If KZC finally say or has already indicated that they are not in a position to sign any paper; the Home Ministry has to change the style of the game.
The principal theme of the game would however that -- time is running out and hence there should be some positive fallout.
The target is peace and bring back Manipur to the stage wherein the state was making immense progress.
The centre may start back channel communication with other Kuki-Zomi CSOs who would be more forthcoming to take principled stance.
In a previous blog, I have spoken about the need to create a confederation of leaders from all smaller tribes through their apex bodies namely Kuki Inpi, Zomi Council, Hmar Inpui and Mizo People's Council.
This still stands and given the spirit of the deliberations on May 27th; the COCOMI would not mind joining the round table.
Manipur's development template is linked to peace and harmony between different communities in the state.
Do not forget in 2017 and then in 2022 (more specifically) Manipur voters - Meiteis, Kukis, Nagas and even others voted for reform and faster development.
The tragic year 2023 should not derail the good fortunes of the industrious and talented communities.
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