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A 19-member delegation of three top civil society organizations in Manipur on Monday met Union Home Ministry officials in Delhi. They told the Center that the territorial integrity of the northeastern state should be maintained, as well as demanded immediate steps for the rehabilitation of those affected by ethnic violence. Let us tell you that ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
The 19-member delegation, comprising representatives of three groups – Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) and Federation of Civil Society Organizations (FOCS), held a meeting with four representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led by Advisor AK Mishra.
Need to ensure movement
The delegation told the Home Ministry representatives that there is an urgent need to ensure free movement for all. He emphasized that this is not only a fundamental right and constitutional obligation of the government, but also the first necessary step towards restoring peace in the state. Some roads in Manipur have been barricaded by some groups since ethnic conflict broke out in the state in May 2023. The barricades have been put up so that rival communities cannot move into each other’s dominated areas.
Attempt to undermine territorial integrity
The statement said the delegation clearly reaffirmed its non-compromising stance on any initiative that undermines the territorial integrity of the northeastern state, and said this principle is sacred to every Manipuri. The civil-society groups said a phased and time-bound plan for rehabilitation of internally displaced people to their original places of residence was discussed, which is targeted to be completed in phases within this year.
The delegation reiterated the need to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) or a similar mechanism to effectively address the issue of illegal immigration in Manipur. The delegation expressed its clear stand against any extension of the Operation Suspension Agreements without prior comprehensive and amicable understanding among all stakeholders in the state, the statement said.
Home Ministry officials gave assurance
Home Ministry officials assured the delegation that the matters raised during the deliberations are being seriously considered and will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action and approval. Ethnic violence has been continuing in the northeastern state since May 3, 2023, when a tribal solidarity march was taken out in the hill districts to protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the majority Meitei community.
Clashes between Kuki and Meitei communities
Since then, around 260 people, including members of both Kuki and Meitei communities as well as security personnel, have been killed in the ongoing violence. Meitei groups say there can be no compromise on the territorial integrity of the state in any peace process, while Kuki-Zo organisations say the only solution to resolve the crisis is to create a separate administration for the hill districts where they live.
