Biren may be called to Delhi for meeting on Manipur situation

Sources said the agenda of the meeting will likely revolve around finding a political solution to the ethnic conflict. “The next step is to initiate a comprehensive dialogue with both Meiteis and Kukis to find a lasting solution agreeable to all stakeholders. Discussions with the CM will take place in this regard. Steps will be taken to initiate dialogue with Kuki representatives too,” said a senior Union government official.

Sources said the initial focus would be to arrive at a ceasefire agreement between the two groups and then thrash out a framework under which further negotiations can go forward. “The idea is to achieve these things in the next few months at least,” the official said.

The North Block meeting was attended by members of the security establishment — including the Army chief — and key administration officials from Manipur and the Ministry of Home Affairs.  Manipur has witnessed a fresh spurt in violence earlier this month with reports of murder and arson in Jiribam district.

The meeting came days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged the Union government to deal with the problem on priority.