Imphal: The Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei civil society organisation, announced on Thursday that it will move forward with its planned peace march from Imphal to Senapati district on March 8.
The march, supported by other like-minded groups, aims to promote harmony and free movement across the state.
FOCS President Th. Manihar expressed appreciation for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration ensuring unrestricted movement on all roads in Manipur from March 8.
“Our peace march is a message of unity, not provocation. We hope it will reinforce the Centre’s commitment to free movement,” Manihar stated at a press conference.
Manihar acknowledged opposition from three Kuki organisations but appealed to them to join the effort for peace.
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“Instead of resisting, we urge them to support this initiative. It’s a shared opportunity to bridge divides and foster understanding,” he said.
The march is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. from Kangla Gate in Imphal and will traverse through Kangpokpi district, a predominantly Kuki-inhabited area, before concluding in Senapati district.
FOCS has also announced plans for a similar peace march to the border town of Moreh in the near future.
According to Manihar, other tribal groups such as the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) have not opposed the initiative.
He called on these organisations to extend their support, highlighting the march as a meaningful step toward reconciliation in the state.
