Imphal: MHA Advisor A. K. Mishra has reportedly confirmed that the central government has prepared a roadmap to restore peace in Manipur, according to claims made by a Meitei civil society organisation.
The Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) spokesperson, Ngangbam Chamchan Singh, informed reporters on Thursday that the Advisor disclosed this during a meeting on Wednesday at the Old Secretariat in Imphal.
Mishra indicated that the roadmap is being implemented in phases, with the initial phase already underway.
The initial measures outlined in the roadmap include the surrender of weapons, the reopening of roads, and efforts to curb the activities of armed groups.
Ngangbam Chamchan Singh noted that the Governor of Manipur had called for the surrender of all arms on February 20 as part of these efforts.
Ensuring free movement of people across the state without hindrance is also a key aspect of the plan.
In addressing the status of the suspension of operations (SOO) agreement between the Centre and Kuki armed groups, Mishra reportedly stated that while the agreement has lapsed, it has not been entirely abrogated.
He assured that a revised version of the pact would be developed and implemented in due course.
During the meeting, the FOCS delegation presented five key demands.
These include guaranteeing free movement of all residents without any hindrance, rehabilitating internally displaced persons to their native places without fear, taking immediate steps to halt gun attacks on villagers by armed groups, conducting a comprehensive study of Manipur’s demography, and initiating dialogue to address the ongoing ethnic conflict.
Since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023, over 250 people have been killed, and thousands have been rendered homeless.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
The state assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, remains under suspended animation.
