NEW DELHI, June 30: A fresh round of dialogue between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a 19-member delegation representing three major Meitei civil society organisations began in New Delhi today, marking the third formal engagement aimed at resolving the prolonged crisis in Manipur.
The delegation comprises members from the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS). The talks commenced at around 11 a.m. and are part of the Centre’s broader efforts to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, COCOMI coordinator Khuraijam Athouba stated that the delegation intended to present ground-level realities and press the Centre for time-bound action on critical issues. The team is also expected to submit a detailed memorandum outlining four key demands — safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity, reopening of vital national highways, comprehensive rehabilitation for displaced persons, and enhanced security deployment in foothill regions to facilitate Kharif season cultivation.
While the specifics of the ongoing discussions remain confidential, sources suggest the dialogue has centred on addressing civil society concerns and establishing a roadmap for reconciliation, peace, and long-term stability.
The MHA is also scheduled to meet Kuki armed groups currently under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement on July 4, signaling a parallel effort to engage all stakeholders.
This round of talks follows months of protests, public memoranda, and repeated appeals by the Meitei civil groups, who have consistently voiced frustration over the perceived inaction by the Centre since the eruption of ethnic violence last year.
