Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday said his recent meeting with leaders of the Kuki-Zo Council in Guwahati marked a significant step towards rebuilding trust between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.

Speaking to journalists in Imphal, the Chief Minister stressed the need for both communities to “forgive and forget” in order to restore normalcy in the State, which has witnessed prolonged ethnic tensions since May 2023, resulting in over 260 deaths.

He described the engagement with the Kuki-Zo Council as a positive beginning to bridge the trust deficit and work towards lasting peace. However, he expressed concern that many internally displaced persons are still unable to return to their native villages due to prevailing fear and insecurity.

The Chief Minister highlighted that movement of people continues to be affected, particularly along National Highway-2 connecting Imphal and Kohima, noting that dependence on central forces for security cannot continue indefinitely.

Clarifying on security arrangements, he stated that while no official buffer zone exists between the two communities, certain sensitive areas have been identified for security purposes. He also reiterated that the Centre has assured that Manipur’s territorial integrity will remain intact amid demands for a separate administration for Kuki-Zo inhabited hill areas.

The Chief Minister further informed that the law-and-order situation along the Imphal–Ukhrul road has improved, following disruptions caused by recent clashes between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga groups.