Imphal, June 29, 2025: In a significant development aimed at resolving the prolonged crisis in Manipur, a 19-member delegation representing three of the state's key civil society organisations - COCOMI (Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity), AMUCO (All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation), and FOCS (Federation of Civil Society Organisations) - is set to meet officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on June 30, 2025.
This will be the third round of dialogue with the Centre, but notably the first time that the three major Meitei civil society groups will participate in a joint delegation, indicating a unified front in their push for peace, stability, and justice in the violence-hit state.
The delegation - comprising seven members each from AMUCO and COCOMI, and five from FOCS—will reiterate long-standing demands, including:
• Unhindered movement along national and state highways,
• Resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs),
• And guaranteeing safety and access for farmers in fringe and vulnerable areas.
Speaking at a press conference at the Manipur Press Club on Saturday, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba stressed the urgent need for action. “We have previously met the MHA separately, but the core demands have remained unchanged. This time, we are speaking with one voice. If our demands are ignored again, we may reconsider our participation in any future talks,” he warned.
The groups expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre’s failure to implement commitments made during the April 5 and May 27 rounds of talks. While the first meeting involved representatives from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, subsequent dialogues - particularly with Meitei CSOs - ended without resolution.
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Athouba further emphasized that true peace in Manipur can only begin when internally displaced persons are safely returned, farming rights are restored, and free mobility is ensured across all districts.
The delegation is scheduled to leave for Delhi on Sunday ahead of the crucial meeting. Observers see this coordinated effort by AMUCO, FOCS, and COCOMI as a critical step toward a unified civil society response and a potential turning point in Manipur's path to peace.
