Imphal, 12 March: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) held discussions with representatives of the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) in Imphal on Wednesday to chart a roadmap for restoring peace in Manipur. The meeting at Babupara came a day after MHA officials met leaders of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and other Kuki organizations, including the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU).
The KZC and COTU represent Kuki interests, while FOCS is a Meitei organization.
”A.K. Mishra, advisor to the ministry of home affairs (North East) assured us a roadmap to restore peace in Manipur had been prepared and was already being implemented. The peace initiative has entered its first phase with the roadmap’s implementation,” FOCS president-in-charge B.M. Yaima Shah said.
Shah further stated that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants, though lapsed, has not been abrogated and will be reviewed in due time.
“Mishra also said that the Manipur government’s initiative to partially reopen NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) for free movement was a symbolic attempt. The government will take stricter measures to ensure unrestricted movement on highways,” he added.
Discussions with Kuki Leaders
During the three-hour-long meeting in Churachandpur on Tuesday, Kuki body leaders and MHA officials deliberated on key issues, including the recent Kangpokpi incident. The protests over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive on free highway movement led to the death of one individual and injuries to several others.
Other topics discussed included the demand for a separate Union Territory, cessation of hostilities, and other related matters.
“Our leaders stood firm on our stance, and so did the representatives from the MHA. As a result, no concrete decisions could be reached. The meeting was adjourned for further discussions in the future,” a statement issued by the KZC said.
Meanwhile, videos of Kuki youths attacking security forces and blocking an ambulance belonging to a central security force surfaced on social media. However, Manipur police have not reported any stringent action against those involved.
Unrest Over Transportation Resumption
At least one person was killed and dozens injured on March 8, following the Manipur government’s decision to resume bus and helicopter services under tight security measures.
Protesters in Kuki-dominated districts attempted to stop public transport, blocked highways, and clashed with security personnel, forcing the administration to respond with force. Subsequently, KZC imposed an indefinite shutdown from Saturday midnight.
On Tuesday, only 241 vehicles and one carrying essential supplies moved through NH-37 and NH-2. Over 500 vehicles, including passenger transport, remained stranded due to the blockade.
Political Developments
Last month, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid internal dissent in the BJP. Former home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla was appointed as the state’s governor.
(With inputs from HT)