A delegation consisting of 19 representatives from the three Manipur Valley-based civil society organisations met with the officials from the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting was a continuation of previous rounds of talks with the three groups. However, this was the first time that the representatives of all three major groups, namely COCOMI, AMUCO, and FOCS, met with MHA officials together. All three groups represent Meitei interests.
Together, in a joint statement, they outlined the key issues that were raised in the meeting and stated that it, “reaffirmed its non-compromising stance on any initiative that could undermine the territorial integrity of the state.” This stance stands opposite to the demand by the Kuki-Zo group for a ‘separate administration’ system for parts of the state where their community is in the majority.
“The delegation stressed the urgent need to ensure free movement for all, emphasising that it is not only a fundamental right and constitutional obligation of the government, but also the first essential step towards restoring peace in the state,” said the joint statement by the Meitei delegation.
Demands of the Delegation
The statement referred to the disruption in the movement of the members of either of the conflicting communities after the start of the conflict in May 2023. Both communities have largely not travelled in areas where the other community is in majority. The opening up of the state highway by all communities has been contentious with the Kuki-Zo groups, who express their hesitation to agree to this before any discussion on the political demands.
The Home Ministry delegation was led by the Ministry’s Northeast Advisor, A.K. Mishra, and IB Joint Director, Rakesh Kamble.
The Meitei group also emphasised two other long-standing demands. First was that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be implemented in the state to address the issue of illegal immigration. According to the group, this has been one of the key reasons for volatility in the region. The other demand included opposition to the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups “without a prior, comprehensive, and amicable understanding amongst all stakeholders within the state.”
In a similar fashion to this delegation, the Kuki-Zo representatives also resolved to continue dialogues with the Government of India. On behalf of the community, talks are underway between these groups and the Union Government on reviewing the ground rules of the SoO agreement.
“The MHA officials assured the delegation that the matters raised are being considered and will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities with necessary action and approval…,” the joint statement by the delegation said.
