Centre Unveils Strategy for Restoring Peace in Manipur: Official
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 14, the MHA's North East Advisor A.K. Mishra announced a roadmap for restoring peace in Manipur after meetings with various civil society organizations. This phased plan includes surrendering illegal arms, reopening transport, and curbing violence. Ongoing discussions aim for a stable resolution to the ethnic conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Centre has prepared a roadmap for peace in Manipur.
- Initial phase includes the surrender of illegal arms.
- Meetings held with Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
- Roadmap aims to reopen transport and reduce violence.
- Indefinite shutdown lifted by Kuki-Zo Council.
Imphal, March 14 (NationPress) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) North East Advisor A.K. Mishra, during recent engagements with various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Manipur, revealed that the Centre has devised a comprehensive strategy aimed at reinstating peace and normalcy in the region affected by ethnic turmoil, as reported by officials and leaders from CSOs on Thursday.
A representative from the Manipur government noted that Mishra conducted a series of individual meetings with CSOs representing the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities over the past three days.
According to Ngangbam Chamchan Singh, spokesman for the Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), Mishra conveyed that the initial phase of the peace roadmap for Manipur is currently in progress.
“In response to an invitation, a FOCS delegation met with Mishra and other officials on Wednesday. During this meeting, Mishra revealed that the Centre has laid out a roadmap to resolve the ongoing conflict in the state, which will be executed in phases,” Singh informed the media on Thursday.
He quoted Mishra stating that the roadmap entails the surrender of looted and illegal arms, the resumption of vehicular traffic, and the reduction of violent actions by various armed factions.
The appeal made by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on February 20 to surrender looted and illegal arms is part of the initial phase of this roadmap, as referred to by Mishra.
The MHA advisor, along with other officials, engaged with leaders from the Kuki-Zo community in Churachandpur district on Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning, MHA representatives also met with Meitei civil society organizations in Imphal, including the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).
Discussions focused on the ongoing unrest and the Centre's initiatives to restore stability in the area. Regarding the suspension of operations (SOO) agreement between the Centre and Kuki armed groups, Mishra clarified that while the agreement has lapsed, it remains in effect.
Mishra assured that the agreement will be revised as part of the Centre’s comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing tensions and seek a sustainable resolution, according to an AMUCO representative.
Additionally, due to Mishra's efforts, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the principal body representing the tribals in Manipur, announced on Thursday the termination of the indefinite shutdown it had initiated in protest against the resumption of bus services between the state capital Imphal and the hill districts, as well as the police actions in tribal areas on March 8.
