The first round of talks between the Manipur government and the United Naga Council happened in Senapati. Both sides called it “fruitful” and “an icebreaker.”
That’s welcome. Manipur has been burning for over a year. The UNC’s demands include abrogation of the SoO pact with Kuki groups and action in the killing of 6 Naga civilians. They’ve also blocked national highways.
The delegation was led by Deputy CM L. Dikho and Home Minister G. Konthoujam. The government called it the start of a series. The UNC said it won’t lift the blockade until demands are met, and warned of “more stringent actions.”
This is how peace begins: not with agreements, but with sitting in the same room. The issues are hard. The SoO pact involves the Centre. The ethnic divide between Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities runs deep. Trust is near zero.
But the alternative to talks is more violence. More highway blockades. More deaths.
The Centre must be part of the next rounds. Manipur cannot solve this alone. And the UNC must recognize that blockades hurt ordinary people most — including Nagas.
“Fruitful” is a low bar. The real test is whether round 2 happens, and whether it happens before the next incident. For now, an icebreaker is better than silence.