Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh says talks with Kuki-Zos first step to remove trust deficit

Guwahati: Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh on Sunday said that the state government's move to hold talks with the Kuki-Zo Council is the first step to remove the trust deficit between communities.

"The talks between the Kuki-Zo Council and the state government for the first time in nearly three years is a really good thing," the CM said a day after holding a closed-door meeting with the delegation in Guwahati.

While addressing the media, Singh said that there is no buffer zone in the state, but some "sensitive areas". The CM maintained that Manipur is inhabited by 36 different communities and the state will remain intact. "Let us forgive and forget the past for a better future," he added.


Tension flared up in Churachandpur on Sunday after miscreants attacked the residence of Kuki-Zo Council chairman Henlienthang Thanglet following his meeting with the CM. Security personnel resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the mob as it tried to breach the compound.

A senior police officer said: "The attackers regrouped and made a second attempt to storm the residence. The residence remained secure due to sustained and coordinated action by the forces."