The Manipur government has proposed to the Centre that it is ready to grant greater autonomy to the existing hill councils in the state but will not compromise with the territorial integrity of the state, The Indian Express has reported, citing its sources.

“Separate administration, in whatever form the Kukis are demanding, is not acceptable to the government or the rest of the population in the state. However, we are ready to address the concerns of the hill tribes. We have proposed that the autonomy of the hill councils can be increased, giving them greater freedom and control in the administration of hill regions. We hope Kukis will accept the offer and end the conflict,” a source close to Manipur CM N Biren Singh told The Indian Express.

Since the onset of the conflict, the Kukis have been demanding a separate administration.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been holding talks with representative groups from both Meitei and Kuki communities to find a solution to the ongoing conflict.

More than 160 people have lost their lives and several hundred have been injured since the violence broke out in Manipur on May 3.