Imphal: In a significant development aimed at restoring peace in Manipur, the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a prominent Meitei civil society organisation, has revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formulated a phased roadmap to address the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. The announcement came after a delegation from FOCS met with AK Mishra, the MHA Advisor for the Northeast, and other officials at the Old Secretariat in Imphal.
According to FOCS Spokesperson Ngangbam Chamchan Singh, Mishra informed the delegation that the first phase of the peace roadmap is already underway. This initial phase focuses on three critical areas: the surrender of weapons, the reopening of blocked roads, and the control of armed groups’ activities. Mishra reportedly emphasized that the Governor of Manipur had called for the surrender of all arms on February 20, and efforts are being made to ensure the free movement of people across the state.
The meeting also addressed the contentious Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre and Kuki armed groups. Singh clarified that while the agreement has lapsed, it has not been formally revoked. Mishra assured the delegation that the agreement would be reviewed and modified in due course to align with the evolving situation on the ground.
During the discussions, FOCS presented a five-point demand to the MHA delegation, urging the Centre to:
1. Ensure unrestricted movement of people across Manipur.
2. Facilitate the safe rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
3. Prevent armed attacks on villages.
4. Conduct a detailed demographic study of the state.
5. Initiate a dialogue process to address the root causes of the conflict.
The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023, has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands. The crisis led to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The state assembly remains in suspended animation, with its tenure extending until 2027.
FOCS has welcomed the Centre’s initiative but stressed the need for swift and effective implementation of the roadmap. “The people of Manipur have suffered immensely. We hope this roadmap will bring lasting peace and stability to the state,” Singh said.
As the first phase of the peace plan unfolds, all eyes are on the Centre and state authorities to ensure that the measures translate into tangible progress on the ground. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the roadmap can pave the way for reconciliation and healing in the strife-torn state.
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