The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) is set to launch a peace march across Manipur’s hill regions, commencing on Saturday, March 8. The initiative, according to the group, aims to 'promote harmony' among communities and follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to ensure unrestricted movement across the state.
FOCS president Th. Manihar, addressing the press, said the expedition would proceed to areas previously inaccessible to Meiteis since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
“Recently, Home Minister Amit Shah had issued directives to ensure free movement of all the people in the state from March 8. After much discussion, we have decided to launch expeditions carrying the message of peace to areas marked as buffer zones by security forces, as well as to villages in hill areas, where we (Meiteis) have not been able to visit since the violence broke out in May 2023,” he stated.
The peace march is scheduled to begin at 8 am on Saturday from Kangla Gate in Imphal and proceed to Senapati district, traversing Kangpokpi, a region predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community.
A second march to the border town of Moreh is also in the pipeline, Manihar revealed.
The initiative has garnered the backing of 20 like-minded organisations.
“After reaching a destination, prayers will be conducted for a peaceful Manipur and continuation of the earlier co-existence and love among communities,” Manihar said.
COCOMI Raises Concerns Over Firearm Surrenders
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body representing various Meitei organisations, has expressed concerns over what it terms an "abysmal" number of firearm surrenders in the hill districts.
Speaking to reporters, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba alleged that Kuki armed groups were not participating in the ongoing surrender process despite being key actors in the ethnic conflict.
Also read: 'No return if you cross': Kukis block movement in Manipur
“Responding to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's call for surrendering illegally held firearms, we are witnessing a series of firearm surrenders before the government. However, we are surprised to see that the Kuki armed groups, especially those observing Suspension of Operations, have not been part of this arms surrendering process. We had expected arms surrenders from these groups as they are the key drivers and at the forefront of this conflict,” he asserted.
Athouba claimed that while security forces have been actively recovering weapons in the valley, similar efforts have been lacking in the Kuki-Zo-dominated hill regions.
Appeal for Support Amidst Opposition
Despite opposition from three Kuki organisations, FOCS remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the peace march. “We appreciate Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement allowing the free movement of all people on all roads in Manipur from March 8. In line with this, we are proceeding with our peace march to convey a message of harmony, not to provoke anyone,” Manihar stated.
He called upon opposing groups to reconsider their stance and support the initiative.
“Three Kuki organisations have objected to our proposed march. We appeal to them to join us in this effort for peace. The march is also a way to see if the Centre stands by its commitment to allowing free movement,” he remarked.
Manihar also noted that groups such as the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) had not opposed the initiative and urged them to support the endeavour as a gesture of reconciliation.
Also read: Over 300 weapons surrendered as Manipur seeks stability
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