World Meitei Council Urges Opening of Imphal International Airport and Highways to All Citizens, Says Reconciliation Is a Human Necessity

The World Meitei Council has urged the opening of Imphal International Airport to all citizens, without fear or restriction, asserting that the Meitei community must take moral and social responsibility to ensure the safety of all who arrive, regardless of community.

The council also called for national highways to be made accessible to everyone, emphasizing that all communities—especially the Meiteis and the Kukis—must guarantee safe passage free from violence and intimidation.

In a release issued on June 25, the World Meitei Council urged Kuki and Meitei legislators to rise above politics and take ownership of the crisis, stating that it is the people who are suffering the most.

"Above all, the most crucial role now lies with the MLAs. Since they have the people’s mandate, they must act, engage with each other, and not wait for external intervention," the release stated.

"As elected representatives, MLAs are also urged to lead—if not them, then who?" the WMC added.

The release noted that the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted for over two years and two months, disrupting countless lives, shattering families, and dividing communities. Despite several efforts, the Centre has not been able to bring about a resolution.

"We acknowledge that wrongs have occurred on both sides," the Council said, questioning, "How long should the public continue to bear the pain? And how long must one wait for those in power to remember their duty?"

On June 24, the Central Executive Committee of the World Meitei Council (WMC) held an in-depth discussion on the current situation in Manipur and strongly believes that even a single, meaningful step in the right direction can begin the journey toward normalcy, according to the release.

The WMC further noted that the recent gesture by COCOMI—welcoming both Meitei and Kuki victims of the Ahmedabad air crash at Imphal Airport—was a positive and symbolic move in the right direction.

"For how long will people continue to suffer while armed groups dictate their fate? And how long will the Government of India remain a silent spectator?" the WMC asked, adding that reconciliation is a human necessity.