Historic Unity Meeting: Meitei and Kuki BJP MLAs Gather in Delhi, Signaling Possible End to Manipur Ethnic Conflict

BJP legislators from Manipur gathered in Delhi for discussions with party leadership on Sunday, marking the first meeting between Meitei and Kuki community MLAs since May 2023.

The unprecedented gathering in New Delhi has triggered speculation about potential government formation in Manipur, which has been under President's rule since February.

This meeting follows President Droupadi Murmu's recent two-day visit to Manipur, during which she emphasized how "the hills and valley have always complemented each other" and called for reconciliation between communities. The Meitei community predominantly occupies the valley region, while Kuki tribes reside in designated hill districts.

The assembly of BJP MLAs across ethnic lines is widely interpreted as a response to the President's appeal for unity.

Sunday's meeting occurred after certain BJP legislators in Manipur requested the party leadership to decide on government formation. President's rule has been extended for six additional months until February 2026, with any further extension requiring parliamentary or Election Commission approval.

BJP National General Secretary BL Santosh described the meeting as "fruitful" on social media platform X, noting that discussions centered on peace and development in Manipur. "Everyone resolved to strive hard to bring back normalcy in the state & get the developmental work going at full steam," Santosh stated.

The meeting was preceded by a November visit to Manipur by Sambit Patra, the party's northeast coordinator, and Santosh for consultations with state leaders.

Sources indicate that Sunday's gathering served as an important ice-breaker between BJP legislators from the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Previously, seven BJP MLAs from the Kuki community had supported demands for separate administration. Their participation in this unified meeting suggests a willingness to compromise for collective welfare, despite opposition from certain armed groups claiming to represent Kuki interests.

These militant organizations operate under the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement, which does not permit threatening elected officials or destabilizing activities.

Some Kuki leaders and civil society organizations affiliated with the 24 militant groups in government talks have advocated for dividing Manipur to establish a "separate administration."

Manipur BJP spokesperson Michael Lamjathang Thadou shared on X that "The Kuki-Meitei conflict in Manipur has officially come to an end today in New Delhi, with Kuki, Zomi, Hmar and Meitei MLAs coming together... All parties have reaffirmed their unity as members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly for the 2022-27 term, marking a reconciliation and renewed cooperation."

Thadou, who leads the Thadou tribe organization, has previously alleged that the 'Any Kuki Tribes' category re-added to the ST list in 2003 is central to Manipur's ongoing crisis.

During the Delhi discussions, party leadership sought the cooperation of state representatives in maintaining peace and establishing a new government.

The ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in over 260 fatalities and displaced thousands of residents.