Kuki Insurgents Meet Negotiators, Seek Separate Administration Amid Meiteis' ST Demand

The Meiteis who have been living in Kuki-majority hill areas have fled and come to the valley. They are unable to return home to the hills, just as Kukis are wary of returning to Imphal valley due to severe trust deficit

Amid the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur for nearly three months, the Home Ministry on Wednesday held talks with Kuki insurgent groups that have signed the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement. The insurgents sought a separate administration from Manipur, but within India.

"There has been a shift as far as talks are concerned. Earlier, we were demanding territorial council within Manipur. But now we are seeking our own administration, separate from them," an insurgent who is part of the SoO talks told NDTV.

He said the Kukis have been chased out of state capital Imphal valley and they need an administrative set-up to govern them, so they are seeking a separate administration. "We want a political settlement, and we informed Delhi about it," he added.