Imphal, July 3: In a significant development, three prominent civil society organisations from conflict-affected Manipur have asserted that any resolution to the ongoing ethnic unrest must unequivocally safeguard the state’s territorial integrity. This firm stance was communicated to officials of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) during a crucial meeting held in New Delhi on June 30.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), and the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) jointly dispatched a 19-member delegation for the high-level discussions.
Briefing reporters in Imphal, COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba underscored the core message conveyed to the Centre: “We clearly conveyed that the territorial boundary of Manipur is non-negotiable. Any solution to the ongoing crisis must respect the geographical and administrative unity of the state.”
Beyond the core demand for territorial integrity, the delegation also highlighted pressing humanitarian concerns. The plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the severe restrictions on citizens’ free movement, and the hardships faced by farmers unable to cultivate their lands in fringe areas due to persistent tensions were all brought to the MHA’s attention.
Athouba affirmed the organisations’ commitment to continued dialogue with the Centre. “We have agreed to continue engaging with the Centre in the interest of finding a peaceful and lasting solution, but strictly within the parameters of our territorial and cultural concerns,” he stated.
Manipur has been grappling with intense ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, a conflict that has tragically claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands. The state has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, with the Manipur Legislative Assembly currently under suspended animation.
Furthermore, Athouba revealed that the delegation held a subsequent meeting on Wednesday evening with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), and the security advisor. This follow-up discussion addressed the recent Gwaltabi incident, where the name “Manipur” was allegedly removed from a state-owned bus during the Shirui festival. “We were told that an inquiry committee’s report on the incident has been submitted to the governor and will be made public soon,” he informed.
Authorities also assured the civil society organisations of a phased rehabilitation plan for the internally displaced people, promising their return to original settlements once a thorough assessment of ground conditions is completed.