A 19-member delegation representing three major civil society organisations from Manipur—COCOMI, AMUCO, and FOCS—met with Union Home Ministry officials in New Delhi on Monday to discuss a phased and time-bound roadmap for peace in the violence-hit state.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the delegation asserted their firm stance against any move that could compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur.
“This principle remains sacrosanct to every Manipuri,” the statement read.
The Home Ministry was represented by Adviser on Northeast Affairs AK Mishra, Intelligence Bureau Joint Director Rajesh Kamble, and other senior officials. The civil society groups emphasized the urgent need to ensure free movement across the state, calling it a fundamental right and a necessary step toward peace.
They urged the Centre to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original homes and demanded that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki insurgents not be extended without broad consensus among stakeholders. The SoO requires insurgents to remain in designated camps with weapons secured.
The delegation also called for initiating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) or a similar exercise to address illegal immigration, particularly from neighbouring Myanmar.
They requested future consultations be held in Imphal, expressing their willingness to participate if such efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace. The delegation also flagged pending enquiries into the covering of the word “Manipur” on state buses and raised concerns over attacks on farmers.
“The MHA officials assured the delegation that the matters raised are being seriously considered and will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action and approvals. Outcomes and follow-up developments are expected in the coming days,” the statement said.
Ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed over 260 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people since May 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)