The tripartite talks held on Friday between the Centre, the Manipur government, and the United Naga Council (UNC) concluded without any resolution. The meeting, conducted in the Senapati district, focused on the UNC’s demand to reverse the creation of seven districts established in December 2016 by the then Congress-led state government.

The districts in question—Kamjong, Pherzawl, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Noney, and Jiribam—have been a long-standing point of contention, with the UNC claiming that their formation violated prior agreements and affected Naga interests.

During the discussions, a joint statement from representatives of the Centre, the Manipur government, and the UNC confirmed that the meeting revolved around this contentious issue. However, Manipur government officials were unable to present a concrete proposal to address the concerns due to unspecified challenges.

The UNC expressed disappointment at the lack of a formal proposal, reiterating the importance of providing one in subsequent talks. Despite this, both parties affirmed their commitment to continue constructive dialogue, aiming for a political solution that respects past agreements and addresses grievances.

The meeting was described as cordial, and it was agreed to sustain engagement on the matter. The next round of discussions has been scheduled for the last week of January 2024.

The ongoing dialogue reflects the complexities of balancing administrative decisions with the cultural and political sensitivities of Manipur’s diverse communities. Both sides hope to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the coming months.