Violence has been going on for a long time in Manipur between two communities, Kuki-Jo and Meitei community. Many people have died in this violence so far.

Meanwhile, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in Assam has said it will facilitate the return of around 1,000 Kuki-Jho people who have taken refuge in the Singhason Hills since violence broke out in Manipur last year.

KAAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang said meetings would be held with various stakeholders on the issue to facilitate the return of the Kuki-Jos who had come here.

“We will not forcefully evict them but will facilitate their return after consultations with various social and political organisations, including the Kuki community,” he said.

Ronghang said land rights would be given only to those who have been living in Karbi Anglong district since its establishment or are long-time permanent residents.

"Persons coming from outside the district, especially those from Manipur, will not be given land rights under our initiative to distribute land documents," he said while addressing a land rights distribution programme at Japarajan area in Bokajan on Tuesday.

He said a meeting has been called on November 28 to discuss the matter and we hope the issue will be resolved amicably.

Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts are governed by autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Both these districts are home to the Karbi people, who have the largest population among the hill tribes, Kukis, Hmars and Thadous.

The hills have witnessed extensive ethnic conflict between the Karbis and Kukis in the past. In the late 90s and early 2000s, the conflict escalated into frequent clashes between militant groups claiming to represent the two communities - the United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), resulting in the death of over 100 people.

The Karbi militant outfits signed a peace accord with the government in 2021, ending the violence.

The conflict between the Karbis and Kukis has its roots in disputes over land, resources and political representation.

More than 250 people have been killed in ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in Manipur since May last year. Thousands of people have been displaced due to the violence sparked by the Meitei community's demand for tribal status and the tribal Kuki-Zo people's opposition to it.