Meghalaya CM urges dialogue, gradual healing for Manipur's displaced Kuki-Zo communities

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) President Conrad K Sangma visited Kangpokpi on October 10 as part of a two-day outreach to conflict-affected areas in Manipur, meeting with civil society groups to address the concerns of displaced Kuki-Zo communities.

 

Sangma was accompanied by Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei, former MP Dr Lorho S. Pfoze, and other NPP leaders. Representatives from Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, KSO Sadar Hills, KWU Sadar Hills, and other civil society organisations attended the meeting at Brig. M. Thomas Ground.

 

Students welcomed Sangma by forming a human chain, while Diamond English High School performed a traditional dance in his honor.

 

Addressing the gathering, Sangma described the suffering of the Kuki-Zo people as “unimaginable and deeply painful” and called for a patient, step-by-step approach to rebuilding trust and normalcy in the region. “I’m not here to tell you what to do or to direct you. I have come to listen, to understand, and to carry your message forward,” he said.

 

The Chief Minister emphasised that peace is a gradual “healing process” and urged community leaders to maintain communication channels and take small steps toward reconciliation. He also acknowledged fears about safe travel along highways and the continuity of relief supplies for internally displaced persons (IDPs), assuring that such concerns would be relayed to the Government of India.

 

Sangma’s remarks were seen as both empathetic and subtly critical of administrative inaction, highlighting the absence of a democratically elected government in Manipur and the ongoing displacement of thousands. His outreach is viewed as an effort to restore confidence among affected tribal communities while advocating dialogue-driven solutions.

 

During the visit, CoTU submitted a memorandum to Sangma seeking humanitarian support and political intervention for displaced Kuki-Zo residents. The memorandum requested measures, including the waiver of school and medical fees for IDPs, reduced rental fees, simplified admission processes, and the safe resettlement of displaced villagers with adequate basic infrastructure.

 

CoTU also urged the Meghalaya government to advocate at the national level for a political solution, citing ongoing ethnic and religious persecution against the Kuki-Zo community by the Meitei majority. The organisation suggested constitutional protection under Article 239A, granting Union Territory status with a legislature, as a potential path toward long-term stability.

 

Concluding his address, Sangma reiterated his willingness to facilitate dialogue and support efforts toward reconciliation. “If I can play a role, or if any of my leaders can play a role in facilitating this process, we are here to help and support,” he said, urging all parties to move “one step at a time” toward lasting peace.