Manipur CSOs Meet MHA Officials in Delhi to Press for Peace and Integrity

A significant milestone in Manipur’s search for peace was marked today as a united delegation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the state held a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi. The three-and-a-half-hour-long dialogue, which began at 11:30 AM, brought together representatives from three of Manipur’s most prominent CSOs — COCOMI, AMUCO, and FOCS.

The 19-member delegation engaged in a comprehensive exchange with senior MHA officials, including Mr. A.K. Mishra, Advisor (Northeast), and Mr. Rajesh Kamble, Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Discussions centered around urgent steps needed to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur and forge a lasting roadmap for peace.

Key Highlights from the Meeting

• Territorial Integrity: The delegation firmly reiterated that any initiative that threatens Manipur’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable. This principle remains sacred to the people of Manipur.
• Freedom of Movement: Restoration of unhindered movement for all citizens was stressed as a constitutional duty and a critical step toward normalcy.
• Resettlement of IDPs: A time-bound, phased plan to safely return internally displaced persons to their original homes within this year was discussed.
• Implementation of NRC: The need for a National Register of Citizens or a similar mechanism to tackle illegal immigration was raised.
• SoO Agreements: The delegation opposed any extension of Suspension of Operations agreements unless all stakeholders in the state reach a mutual understanding.
• Future Dialogues in Imphal: The CSOs urged that upcoming discussions be held in Imphal, ensuring greater accessibility and representation.
• Inclusive Peace Process: The delegation expressed willingness to engage in broader peace initiatives, as long as they serve the collective interest of the people.

Other Matters Presented

• Urgent need to release the long-awaited report on the Gwaltabi incident.
• Submission of a memorandum concerning the safety and welfare of farmers in the state.
• Discussion on the MHA’s recent 30-day directive regarding identification of illegal immigrants, stressing the need for clear procedures and safeguards.
• Presentation of a report exposing the construction of a 343 km-long illegal road along the Churachandpur–Kangpokpi axis.

MHA officials assured the delegation that all issues raised are being taken seriously and will be directed to the appropriate authorities for further action. Follow-up developments are expected in the coming days.

The CSO delegation is scheduled to return to Imphal on 2nd July 2025, after which a detailed briefing will be given to the public and the media.

Issued by:
Collective of Civil Society Organizations – Manipur

Signatories:
Pratap Leishangthem – Secretary General, AMUCO
Khuraijam Athouba – Convenor, COCOMI
BM Yaima Shah – President, FOCS