Manipur: Meitei Group Plans Peace March in Tribal Regions on March 8
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Synopsis
The Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) is organizing a peace march from Imphal to Senapati on March 8 to promote unity and restore normalcy in Manipur, following the Union Home Minister's announcement of free movement across the state.
Key Takeaways
- FOCS is leading a peace march on March 8.
- The march aims to promote harmony among communities.
- It will start from Kangla Fort Gate in Imphal.
- FOCS encourages Kuki organizations to join the march.
- Discussions with the Governor focus on restoring peace in Manipur.
Imphal, March 6 (NationPress) A prominent Meitei civil society group, the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), announced on Thursday that it will organize a peace march alongside other supportive organizations from Imphal to the predominantly Naga district of Senapati on March 8.
FOCS President Th Manihar expressed gratitude for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent decision allowing unrestricted movement of all individuals and vehicles across all roads in Manipur starting March 8. In accordance with the Centre’s directive, the peace march aims to promote a message of unity and restore normalcy in the region.
The march will traverse the mountainous Kangpokpi district, home to the Kuki-Zo community. FOCS leaders have called upon Kuki organizations to participate in the rally instead of opposing it.
“Three Kuki-Zo groups have voiced their opposition to our planned peace march. We urge them to unite with us in this march for peace and harmony within the state. This initiative also serves as a test of the Centre’s commitment to facilitating unrestricted movement,” Manihar stated during a press briefing.
The peace march is set to commence from the historical Kangla Fort Gate in Imphal on Saturday morning, leading towards Senapati district. FOCS is also contemplating organizing a future peace march to the border town of Moreh, located along the India-Myanmar border.
Furthermore, FOCS President mentioned that organizations such as the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), both representing Kuki-Zo tribes, have not opposed the peace march and are encouraged to exhibit their support for this peaceful initiative.
In related developments, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a Lok Sabha member from Manipur, met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan to discuss the ongoing unrest in the state and to seek strategies for restoring peace and normalcy.
Reports indicate that during the meeting, the Congress MP emphasized the financial repercussions of the ethnic crisis and urged the Governor to implement budgetary measures to address these issues.
