The Central government on Saturday convened a crucial meeting with representatives of Manipur’s warring Meitei and Kuki communities in a renewed push to establish lasting peace in the troubled state. According to reports, the dialogue was part of a broader initiative to broker a harmonious resolution to the ethnic strife that erupted in May 2023, leaving the region in turmoil.

The meeting, held in New Delhi, focused on building trust and fostering cooperation between the two groups while charting a path toward restoring normalcy in Manipur. “The discussions emphasized maintaining law and order and promoting reconciliation to heal the deep divisions,” reports revealed. The goal was to create a roadmap that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures stability for all communities.

The Meitei delegation included six members, representing key organizations such as the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS). The Kuki side was represented by approximately nine leaders. The Central Government team was led by A.K. Mishra, a retired special director of the Intelligence Bureau, who served as an interlocutor in the talks.

This effort follows earlier statements by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a Lok Sabha debate on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Responding to a discussion on a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of the President’s rule in Manipur, Shah disclosed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had previously held separate consultations with representatives of both communities and various organizations.

“We will soon organize a joint meeting to advance these efforts,” he assured, stressing that the government’s primary objective is to end the violence and restore peace, even as he acknowledged that the situation, while improved with no deaths reported in the last four months, remains far from satisfactory. Many displaced individuals are still living in relief camps, he noted.

President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9. The state assembly, with a term extending until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation. Since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, over 260 lives have been lost, and thousands of weapons were looted from police stations during the initial chaos, exacerbating the security crisis.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who assumed office on January 3, 2025, and was hand-picked by Shah—having served as Union Home Secretary until August 2024—has been actively engaging with diverse groups across Manipur to gather insights and devise strategies for peace. Bhalla has taken several measures, including urging those who looted arms to surrender them, and has pushed to reopen state roads for normal traffic. However, these efforts have faced resistance, particularly from the Kuki community, which has opposed such moves.

The ethnic violence in Manipur was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts, protesting a Manipur High Court order supporting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. This decision fueled tensions, leading to clashes between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hill-dwelling Kukis. Today, movement between areas dominated by either community is strictly prohibited, with Kukis relying on routes through Mizoram to travel outside the state, while Meiteis avoid Kuki-dominated hills altogether.

Salman Khan’s 2015 film, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, stands as one of the most successful blockbusters in his career, resonating emotionally with audiences globally. Directed by Kabir Khan, the touching narrative follows Pavan (played by Salman Khan), a devoted Hanuman worshipper who embarks on a heartfelt mission to reunite a mute Pakistani girl with her family across the border.

The film is celebrated for its engaging storytelling, compelling narrative, and remarkable performances from its cast, which includes Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Harshaali Malhotra, contributing significantly to its overwhelming success. Given the film’s immense popularity, fans have long speculated about the possibility of a sequel.

Recent reports suggest there may be potential for Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2. Speculation has arisen following Salman Khan’s recent meeting with the esteemed screenwriter V Vijayendra Prasad.

An insider disclosed to Pinkvilla, “Salman Khan met with V Vijayendra Prasad a few days ago, and they’ve come up with an idea. Discussions are ongoing that could lead to Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2. Additionally, there’s a possibility of collaboration involving V Vijayendra Prasad and director Kabir Khan, as this trio may reunite. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.”

While no official announcements have been made, the prospect of a sequel excites fans eager to see more of the cherished characters. Director Kabir Khan has previously hinted at the potential for continuing the story.

In an interview with Connect Cine, he mentioned, “Currently, there isn’t a script in place. However, there are ideas, and many intriguing ways to take Bajrangi forward.” He further elaborated that although the script isn’t ready, he has interesting concepts for the adventures ahead, particularly focusing on Bajrangi and Chand Nawab, portrayed by Salman and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, respectively.

While discussions about a sequel are still in the preliminary stages, it’s evident that the idea of Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2 has sparked interest among both filmmakers and fans. Should the sequel come to fruition, it would be fascinating to see how the story unfolds, continuing to explore the themes of cross-border friendship and humanity that made the original film such a poignant and heartwarming success.

On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, raised concerns about the recently passed Waqf Bill, claiming that it “attacks Muslims” and sets a dangerous precedent for targeting other communities in the future.

In a post on the social media platform X, Gandhi shared an article that suggested the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has redirected its focus to land owned by the Catholic Church following the passage of the Waqf Bill.

“I had warned that the Waqf Bill targets Muslims now, but it paves the way for future attacks on other communities. The RSS wasted no time in shifting its attention to Christians,” Gandhi stated in reference to the article.

He emphasized the importance of the Constitution as the sole protector against such attacks, declaring, “It is our collective responsibility to defend it.” When the Lok Sabha passed the bill, Gandhi remarked, “This assault on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP, and their allies is directed at Muslims today, but it sets a precedent for future attacks on other communities.”

KC Venugopal, another Congress leader, echoed these sentiments, sharing an article that noted the Catholic Church’s landholdings surpassing those of the Waqf Board. He stated, “As predicted, the first minority has been targeted; now it’s on to the next.”

Additionally, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed has challenged the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Supreme Court, asserting that it violates constitutional provisions. His petition claims that the bill imposes “arbitrary restrictions” on the management of Waqf properties, undermining the Muslim community’s religious autonomy.

The plea, filed through advocate Anas Tanwir, argues that the bill discriminates against Muslims by enforcing restrictions absent from the governance of other religious endowments.

The Waqf Bill was approved in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while it received 288 votes in support and 232 against in the Lok Sabha on April 3.