Kuki groups decide to halt talks with Centre

Guwahati: The Kuki community from ethnic strife-torn Manipur on Friday decided it will not hold talks with the Centre until a ‘substantive political dialogue' is initiated by the Union govt with various stakeholders of their society.

Several Kuki MLAs from Manipur, along with representatives of various civil society organisations (CSO) and Kuki militant groups that have signed Suspensions of Operation (SoO) agreements, held a closed-door meeting in Guwahati to discuss their future course of action with peace gradually returning to the state.

"The joint meeting of the MLAs, CSOs n (sic) SoO groups today at Guwahati resolved that until the resumption of substantive political dialogue by the Government of India with SoO groups, the CSOs and elected representatives shall no longer engage with the Government of India or it's (sic) representatives," stated a press release, issued by convener secretary of the meeting.

Members of the Kuki community arrived in Guwahati on Wednesday and Thursday and are staying at an undisclosed hotel where the meeting was held, a source from the community and privy to the development told PTI.

A senior Assam Police officer confirmed the meeting, but said it is taking place without informing the administration here. PTI