Imphal: The Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei civil society organization, has revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has developed a roadmap to restore peace in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023.
FOCS spokesperson Ngangbam Chamchan Singh shared the details of the peace plan following a meeting with A K Mishra, the MHA Advisor for the Northeast, held at the Old Secretariat in Imphal on Wednesday.
According to Singh, the first phase of the roadmap has already been implemented and includes key measures such as the surrendering of weapons, the reopening of roads, and curbing the activities of armed groups. Singh also mentioned that on February 20, Manipur’s Governor had called for the surrender of all illegal arms, and efforts to ensure the unrestricted movement of people across the state are also part of this initial phase.
Singh addressed concerns regarding the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre and Kuki armed groups, clarifying that although the agreement has lapsed, it has not been officially abrogated. Mishra reportedly indicated that the agreement will be revised and modified in due course.
During the meeting with Mishra, FOCS submitted a list of five demands to further the peace process. These include ensuring free movement for all people across Manipur, allowing the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes, taking strict action to prevent gun attacks on villages by armed groups, conducting a detailed demographic study of the state, and initiating dialogue for a peaceful resolution.
The violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has led to over 250 deaths and displaced thousands since May 2023. In response to the ongoing crisis, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The state assembly remains under suspended animation, with no clear timeline for its restoration.
While the MHA’s roadmap brings hope for a peaceful resolution, the situation in Manipur remains tense, with stakeholders closely monitoring the implementation of the peace plan.