The efforts to restore peace in Jiribam district of Manipur have taken a hit with the Hmar Inpui — the apex body of the Hmar community — declaring the peace pact signed in Assam’s Cachar district on Thursday between organisations representing the Hmar and Meitei communities from the affected district as “null and void”.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Hmar Inpui “condemned the engaging actors” in the peace efforts facilitated by the Jiribam district administration and also dismissed the “efforts that took place without our prior, informed consent”.

Hitting out at the Manipur government, the Hmar Inpui said it “stands resolute against the divisive communal game of the government. Hmar Inpui believes in just peace.”

The brief lull in untoward incidents in Jiribam was also shattered on Friday night by a heavy firing between the two sides after an abandoned house owned by a Meitei in Mongbung Seijang village was set on fire, exposing the precarious ground situation.

Hmars are part of the greater Zo community, which also includes the Kukis, Mizos, Paites and Thadous. Jiribam is a mixed-population district which had remained peaceful amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur. However, the peace was shattered on June 6 following the killing of a Meitei man, which led to the displacement of over 2,000 persons from both the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. Around 768 people, from both affected communities, are still taking shelter in eight relief camps across the Jiribam district.

The Hmar Inpui also “dissolved the Hmar Inpui of Jiribam region, and all its affiliated organisations (HYA, HSA HNU, HWA) under Jiribam jurisdiction” and warned the individuals who took part in the event “to stop their blind and selfish efforts” and that “they shall not represent Hmar (community) in any manner, anywhere...”.

If they do so, they will do it at their own risk, the apex body said, adding “any peace initiative ought to bear the approval and prior, informed consent of the Hmar Inui, General Headquarters”.

On the other hand, Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma, during his meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Friday, had mooted a meeting between Shah and tribal leaders from Manipur, who could represent the various tribes as a whole, to explore ways to restore peace. Manipur chief minister Biren Singh had also invited Lalduhoma to Imphal on the sidelines of the recently held Niti Aayog meeting in Delhi.