Can MHA and Meitei Groups Resolve the Manipur Ethnic Crisis?

Imphal, June 30 (NationPress) A new phase of discussions took place on Monday in New Delhi between officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a joint delegation comprising three prominent Meitei-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) aimed at addressing the ethnic turmoil in Manipur.

The 19-member delegation, representing the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), engaged in a meeting with four MHA officials, including A.K. Mishra, the MHA Advisor on Northeast Affairs. The dialogue unfolded over two sessions with participation from MHA officials Rajesh Kamble, Sunil Kumar, and Rahul P.R., both Superintendents of Police, Intelligence Bureau.

COCOMI's coordinator, Khuraijam Athouba, highlighted that key issues impacting the state's peace and stability were addressed. Another leader from COCOMI urged the MHA to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify unauthorized immigrants and safeguard the rights of indigenous communities.

The delegation emphasized the strong sentiments surrounding the May 20 Gwaltabi incident, where security personnel in Imphal East instructed a media team to obscure the ‘Manipur State Transport Corporation’ signage while escorting a group of 20 journalists and Information Department officials. The CSOs further demanded enhanced security for farmers and the restoration of free movement across the state.

During the meeting, the CSOs reiterated their stance against the legitimacy of militant groups involved in the Suspension of Operation (SoO). They insisted that engagement with innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians, who are legitimate citizens of Manipur, should be prioritized after addressing anti-peace elements. The United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which consist of 23 underground factions, entered into an SoO with the Central government on August 22, 2008, leading to approximately 2,266 Kuki members residing in designated camps throughout Manipur.

At the time the SoO was signed, the Congress party was in power in Manipur. Discussions between MHA officials and the three CSOs revolved around restoring normalcy, ensuring public safety, and addressing longstanding grievances over the perceived inaction of the Centre. This latest engagement represents a renewed effort to reconcile differences through dialogue, following months of memoranda, protests, and appeals from civil society groups.

Sources indicate that the MHA is also set to hold a separate dialogue with Kuki armed groups involved in the SoO agreement on July 4. Previously, MHA officials had conducted discussions with both Meitei CSOs and various organizations representing Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal communities.