Ukhrul, July 1: A 19-member delegation representing major Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Manipur has held a high-level meeting with the senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday in New Delhi to discuss the ongoing crisis in the state.
The meeting which began at 11.30 AM and lasted for over three and a half hours, was attended by A.K. Mishra, Advisor (Northeast); Rajesh Kamble, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau, and other senior officials from the MHA while the CSO delegation included key representatives from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), and Forum for Civil Society (FOCS), among others.
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During the high-level meeting, the CSO delegation emphasized a set of key priority issues concerning the ongoing crisis in the state. The urgent key issues raised by the CSOs included.
1. Territorial Integrity of Manipur: The delegation unequivocally reaffirmed its non-compromising stance on any initiative that could undermine the territorial integrity of the state.
2. Free Movement Regime: The delegation pressed for the urgent need to ensure free movement for all, emphasizing that it is not only a fundamental right and a constitutional obligation of the government, but also the first essential step toward restoring peace in the state.
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3. Resettlement of IDPs: A phased and time-bound plan for the resettlement of IDPs to their original places of habitation was discussed, with a target for completion within this year in a phased manner.
4. National Register of Citizens (NRC): The delegation reiterated the necessity of implementing a National Register of Citizens (NRC) or a similar mechanism to effectively address the issue of illegal immigration.
5. Opposition to SoO operation: The delegation expressed a clear stance against any extension of the SoO agreements without a prior comprehensive and amicable understanding among all stakeholders within the state.
6. The MHA officials were urged to conduct future rounds of dialogue with the CSO delegation in Imphal.
7. The delegation conveyed its willingness to participate in future meetings with all stakeholders, provided such initiatives serve the larger interest of restoring lasting peace and normalcy in the state.
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The CSOs also raised other additional issues including the long-pending enquiry report on the Gwaltabi incident, concerns over the recent MHA directive to detect illegal immigrants within a 30-day timeframe, emphasizing the need for proper mechanisms and safeguards.
A memorandum regarding urgent concerns over farmers’ security and safety was submitted to the Union Home Minister through MHA officials. A detailed report on the construction of a 343 km-long illegal road along the Churachandpur-Kangpokpi axis was also submitted for necessary investigation and intervention.
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The MHA officials assured the delegation that the matters raised were being seriously considered and will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action and approvals. Outcomes and follow-up developments are expected in the coming days.
The delegation will return to Imphal on Wednesday, July 2 and hold a comprehensive briefing with the media and public on the meeting and its outcomes.