A joint delegation of three key Meitei civil society organisations from Manipur departed Imphal for New Delhi on Saturday to participate in the third round of talks with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), scheduled for June 30, Newmai News Network reported. The delegation hopes to find a breakthrough in the ethnic conflict that has gripped the state since May 2023.
The 19-member team includes representatives from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS). Each group has sent multiple members—seven each from COCOMI and AMUCO, and five from FOCS—for the crucial dialogue with the Centre.
At a joint press briefing held at the Manipur Press Club before departure, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba said the delegation would raise key issues, including the return of internally displaced persons to their original homes, proper security for farmers in sensitive border areas, and the restoration of free movement along all major highways.
On Saturday, the three Meitei civil groups had held a joint meeting in Imphal and agreed to attend the third round together.
Speaking to the media at the Manipur Press Club, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba said the delegation would focus on key issues such as the return of internally displaced persons to their original homes, ensuring proper security for farmers in sensitive border areas, and restoring free movement along all major highways in the state.
Athouba expressed hope that this round of talks would be decisive. He stated that if an amicable solution is reached, there may be no need for further negotiations.
AMUCO representative S. Bubhol said the joint delegation will also emphasize the importance of restoring peace and maintaining unity among Manipur’s 36 ethnic groups. He reiterated that any settlement must not compromise the territorial integrity of the state.
The state of Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid the escalating unrest. The civil society organisations see this upcoming round of talks as a critical opportunity to bring the crisis closer to resolution.
(With inputs from Newmai News Network)