In what could be considered a crucial step and a significant development towards the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state of Manipur, Manipur’s prominent CSO, the Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), is all set to meet with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for a second round of talks on May 27 in New Delhi.
The FOCS, as one of the key civil society platforms actively engaging with the Centre, is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the path toward a peaceful resolution. A five-member team from FOCS, headed by BM Yaima, has left Imphal Airport for Delhi this afternoon for the crucial meet tomorrow in Delhi.
The meeting is a continuation of the initial round of dialogue with MHA on April 5 last held in Delhi, which saw joint participation from three delegates each from FOCS and the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), along with representatives from Zo-Kuki civil society organisations. The first April 5 meeting failed to reach a consensus after the representatives of Zo-Kuki declined to sign a proposed six-point agreement aimed at confidence-building and de-escalation of violence.
During the meeting with MHA, our sources informed that FOCS is also expected to raise the recent Gwaltabi incident, where personnel of the Maha Regiment allegedly stopped an MST bus transporting journalists en route to the Shirui Festival. The organisation has taken serious note of what it considers an unjustified interference with press freedom and public mobility. FOCS plans to demand accountability and seek clarification from the MHA regarding the deployment and operational conduct of central forces in sensitive zones.
With its consistent and measured approach, FOCS has emerged as a critical stakeholder in navigating the complex ethnic and political dimensions of the Manipur crisis. A five-member delegation led by FOCS President BM Yaima will meet with MHA officials tomorrow, with discussions expected to be held in the evening.
Significantly, the MHA has also invited a seven-member delegation from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), underscoring the government’s intent to engage all major stakeholders. However, observers note that FOCS’s ability to maintain dialogue across communities and its grounded presence in the valley make its participation especially important at this juncture.
As the region continues to grapple with deep-rooted mistrust and unrest, the Centre is banking on FOCS’s influence and credibility to help steer the process forward. The outcome of tomorrow’s talks could prove to be a decisive step in either reinvigorating the peace process or prolonging the current impasse. All eyes are now on New Delhi as the next round of dialogue unfolds.
