Manipur: Centre Invites Both Communities for Peace Talks as Violence Toll Reaches 250

<p>The Union Home Ministry on Thursday issued formal invitations to representative organisations of both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities for a structured peace dialogue in New Delhi, marking the first formal government-mediated talks since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023. The death toll from the conflict has reached at least 250, with over 60,000 still displaced.</p><p>Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to personally chair the first round of talks scheduled for December 15. Civil society groups from both communities have welcomed the development, though some Kuki-Zo leaders said they would attend only if the government addresses the administration of the hill districts as a pre-condition.</p><p>The situation on the ground remains volatile. Internet services have been suspended in several districts, and the Army and Assam Rifles maintain presence at inter-community buffer zones. Political observers say the peace process faces enormous trust deficits on both sides.</p>