Latest news with #FOCS
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No extension without consensus': Manipur groups tell Centre in Delhi talks
NEW DELHI: Three civil society organisations from Manipur, including Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), held a round of dialogue with Centre's representatives led by interlocutor A K Mishra here on Monday, seeking preservation of territorial integrity of the state, steps to ensure free movement of people and phased resettlement of people displaced by ethnic violence by the end of this year. The three Meitei-dominated groups, COCOMI, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) and Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), also sought implementation of a national register of citizens (NRC) or a similar mechanism in Manipur to 'effectively address the issue of illegal migration'. Concerns over the home ministry's recent directive to detect illegal immigrants within a 30-day timeframe was discussed, and need for proper mechanisms and safeguards emphasised. The 19-member delegation comprising representatives of COCOMI, AMUCO and FOCS told the advisor (northeast) Mishra, who was assisted by IB and MHA officials, to formulate a phased and time-bound roadmap to address the ethnic tensions in Manipur and find lasting and sustainable solutions. The Manipur outfits conveyed their clear stance against any extension of suspension of operations (SOO) agreements without a prior comprehensive and amicable understanding among all stakeholders in the state, as per a statement put out by COCOMI after the talks. They particularly raised concerns regarding security and safety of farmers who own land in peripheral areas of the Imphal Valley. Such areas have seen ethnic clashes in the past. The delegation said it had conveyed its willingness to be part of future meetings with all stakeholders, provided such initiatives serve the larger interest of restoring lasting peace and normalcy in Manipur. They also sought the future rounds of dialogue to be held in Imphal. Among the other issues raised were release of the long-pending report on the Gwaltabi incident, which involved security forces covering the Manipur's name on a bus. A detailed report on the construction of a 343 km-long illegal road along the Churachandpur-Kangpokpi axis was submitted for investigation and intervention. The MHA officials, as per COCOMI, assured the delegation that the matters raised by are being seriously considered and shall be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for action and approvals.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
In a first, 3 major Meitei groups unite to meet MHA officials in Delhi today
1 2 Guwahati: In a first, a 19-member delegation comprising representatives from three prominent Manipur-based organisations headed by Meiteis — COCOMI, AMUCO and FOCS — will meet senior officials from the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on Monday, amid increasing calls to establish a democratically elected govt in Manipur. Leaders of these organisations previously met the home ministry officials separately but are now united to raise their demand jointly, as the Manipur crisis has lingered for more than two years now. Manipur has been under President's rule since Feb. The four key focus points where the three civil society organisations (CSOs) have planned to emphasise are — territorial integrity, opening of highways for free movement, resettlement and rehabilitation of the internally displaced people, and security for the farmers. The security of farmers has been a concern as Manipur has recently witnessed clashes between Kukis and Meiteis regarding the ploughing of lands in the peripheral areas, where Meitei farmers have gone for farming near Kuki settlements. Convenor of COCOMI, Khuraijam Athouba, said they will be pursuing the long-pending issues of the Manipur crisis and other key issues that need urgent solution. Seven members from AMUCO, seven from COCOMI and five members from FOCS have travelled to New Delhi on Sunday for the meeting, where the adviser (northeast) of the MHA, AK Mishra, and joint director of intelligence bureau Rajesh Kamble, are expected to be present. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo The three organisations held a joint meeting at a hotel in Imphal on Saturday evening. "Farmers are not secure in the periphery areas. This must be highlighted seriously. Free movement along the national and state highways was assured by the home ministry in the first meeting but has not been successful. This should be discussed in the meeting for earliest and effective implementation of free movement in the highways," an AMUCO spokesperson said. Regarding the internally displaced people, he said their concerns have not yet been addressed to a satisfactory level. "The IDPs are living in a very pathetic situation, which we are witnessing," the spokesperson said. The three organisations are of the view that the IDPs should not be rehabilitated here and there, instead the focus should be on their resettlement in their original places. "We need to prioritise issues, while seeking lasting peace," Athouba said.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Free movement, resettlement will take time, Home Ministry officials tell Meitei civil society groups
The resumption of free movement for all communities along the National Highways in Manipur, and the resettlement of internally displaced people are 'going to take some time', Home Ministry officials told a delegation of Meitei civil society groups at a meeting in the National Capital. The officials 'clearly stated' that this is 'not achievable in a few months or a few weeks', the Meitei groups said in a press conference on Wednesday (May 28, 2025), a day after the meeting. The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), an Imphal-based coalition of civil society groups from Manipur's valley regions, met with an MHA team led by North-East Adviser A.K. Mishra on Tuesday afternoon, even as protests broke out in Imphal again related to an alleged cover-up of the word 'Manipur' on a State bus. 'There was a fruitful and constructive discussion on a range of issues with officials of MHA on Tuesday. It was clearly stated by MHA that the issues of opening National Highways, resettlement of the internally displaced persons, these are going to take some time. This is not achievable in a few months or a few weeks.' FOCS consultative member Puyam Rakesh said at the press conference. 'No specific timeline' At a security review meeting on March 1 this year, Home Minister Amit Shah had directed that from March 8, there would be free movement along the highways, which have been blocked since the ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023. However, on March 8, amidst attempts to enforce this direction, a 19-year-old man was killed and more than 40 people were injured in Kangpokpi district as Kuki-Zo people clashed with Central armed police forces. Speaking on behalf of the FOCS delegation, Mr. Rakesh alleged that 'the Union government is reluctant to use excessive force to reopen the highway', adding that the MHA officials did not give any 'specific timeline' for when these issues, such as free movement on the highways and resettlement of displaced persons, could be addressed. 'We understand that these issues take time, but we urged for addressing immediate concerns of displaced persons, taking care of their financial needs, taking care of medical needs, and ensuring education for the children,' he said. 'That was the message given to us by the Government of India. We look forward to having more rounds of talks and also intercommunity dialogue with the Kuki-Zo community, which will be very important for restoring normalcy and peace i Manipur,' Mr. Rakesh said. While FOCS has agreed to engage with Kuki-Zo community associations, the delegation from Coordination Committee for Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), another Meitei group which met separately with MHA officials clarified that it will engage 'exclusively with Government of India'. Also read | Bus incident: Manipur group announces civil disobedience 'State is burning again' The FOCS made it a point to note that there have been 'some concrete steps' taken by the administration since the imposition of President's Rule, with a 'successful de-escalation' in the last few months. However, Mr. Rakesh indicated that the situation has been deteriorating again since last week's incident in Gwaltabi, when security forces tried to cover up the word 'Manipur' on a State transport bus that was ferrying journalists to the hill district of Ukhrul for the Shirui Lily festival. The incident has 'hurt the sentiments of the people of Manipur, and the State is now burning again, and women and children are on the streets protesting,' Mr. Rakesh said. 'This [incident] has been perceived, rightly or wrongly, as an attempt to dismember the State of Manipur.' With reports emerging from Imphal that a group of MLAs were meeting with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday afternoon in an attempt to stake their claim to form a government in the State, Mr. Rakesh said, 'We welcome a popular government if it has the political will to act in coordination with the Centre to do the needful which can positively change the situation on the ground. But we are not demanding it for the moment.' Gwaltabi incident 'deeply regretted' The ongoing protests in Imphal, which were part of a 'civil disobedience' call given by the COCOMI, displayed banners that said, 'President's Rule must stop insulting Manipur's integrity.' On Wednesday, the Office of the Chief Secretary of Manipur issued a press release, clarifying that there have been 'no instructions whatsoever or even remote thought of covering the name of the State, as has been alleged'. It added that the 'reported untoward incident' is being treated with 'utmost seriousness' and is 'deeply regretted', adding that once the Commission formed by the Governor submits its report, and 'those responsible for the lapses, if any, are identified, strict action would be taken'. 'Evading responsibility' Mr. Rakesh added that the FOCS delegation also raised concerns about 'seasoned politicians' — including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Kiren Rijiju — making comments about Manipur having a 'history or tradition' of ethnic conflicts. This was 'sending a message that is normalising the violence' in the State, the FOCS delegate said. 'We see this as getting away from responsibility rather than taking accountability for the problems of the people of Manipur. These narratives are not doing anything good for the people of the State. Such insensitive statements should be avoided,' he said.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Free movement, resettlement will take time, MHA officials tell Meitei civil society groups
The resumption of free movement for all communities along the National Highways in Manipur, and the resettlement of internally displaced people are 'going to take some time', Home Ministry officials told a delegation of Meitei civil society groups at a meeting in the National Capital. The officials 'clearly stated' that this is 'not achievable in a few months or a few weeks', the Meitei groups said in a press conference on Wednesday (May 28, 2025), a day after the meeting. The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), an Imphal-based coalition of civil society groups from Manipur's valley regions, met with an MHA team led by North-East Adviser A.K. Mishra on Tuesday afternoon, even as protests broke out in Imphal again related to an alleged cover-up of the word 'Manipur' on a State bus. 'There was a fruitful and constructive discussion on a range of issues with officials of MHA on Tuesday. It was clearly stated by MHA that the issues of opening National Highways, resettlement of the internally displaced persons, these are going to take some time. This is not achievable in a few months or a few weeks.' FOCS consultative member Puyam Rakesh said at the press conference. 'No specific timeline' At a security review meeting on March 1 this year, Home Minister Amit Shah had directed that from March 8, there would be free movement along the highways, which have been blocked since the ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023. However, on March 8, amidst attempts to enforce this direction, a 19-year-old man was killed and more than 40 people were injured in Kangpokpi district as Kuki-Zo people clashed with Central armed police forces. Speaking on behalf of the FOCS delegation, Mr. Rakesh alleged that 'the Union government is reluctant to use excessive force to reopen the highway', adding that the MHA officials did not give any 'specific timeline' for when these issues, such as free movement on the highways and resettlement of displaced persons, could be addressed. 'We understand that these issues take time, but we urged for addressing immediate concerns of displaced persons, taking care of their financial needs, taking care of medical needs, and ensuring education for the children,' he said. 'That was the message given to us by the Government of India. We look forward to having more rounds of talks and also intercommunity dialogue with the Kuki-Zo community, which will be very important for restoring normalcy and peace i Manipur,' Mr. Rakesh said. While FOCS has agreed to engage with Kuki-Zo community associations, the delegation from Coordination Committee for Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), another Meitei group which met separately with MHA officials clarified that it will engage 'exclusively with Government of India'. Also read | Bus incident: Manipur group announces civil disobedience 'State is burning again' The FOCS made it a point to note that there have been 'some concrete steps' taken by the administration since the imposition of President's Rule, with a 'successful de-escalation' in the last few months. However, Mr. Rakesh indicated that the situation has been deteriorating again since last week's incident in Gwaltabi, when security forces tried to cover up the word 'Manipur' on a State transport bus that was ferrying journalists to the hill district of Ukhrul for the Shirui Lily festival. The incident has 'hurt the sentiments of the people of Manipur, and the State is now burning again, and women and children are on the streets protesting,' Mr. Rakesh said. 'This [incident] has been perceived, rightly or wrongly, as an attempt to dismember the State of Manipur.' With reports emerging from Imphal that a group of MLAs were meeting with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday afternoon in an attempt to stake their claim to form a government in the State, Mr. Rakesh said, 'We welcome a popular government if it has the political will to act in coordination with the Centre to do the needful which can positively change the situation on the ground. But we are not demanding it for the moment.' Gwaltabi incident 'deeply regretted' The ongoing protests in Imphal, which were part of a 'civil disobedience' call given by the COCOMI, displayed banners that said, 'President's Rule must stop insulting Manipur's integrity.' On Wednesday, the Office of the Chief Secretary of Manipur issued a press release, clarifying that there have been 'no instructions whatsoever or even remote thought of covering the name of the State, as has been alleged'. It added that the 'reported untoward incident' is being treated with 'utmost seriousness' and is 'deeply regretted', adding that once the Commission formed by the Governor submits its report, and 'those responsible for the lapses, if any, are identified, strict action would be taken'. 'Evading responsibility' Mr. Rakesh added that the FOCS delegation also raised concerns about 'seasoned politicians' — including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Kiren Rijiju — making comments about Manipur having a 'history or tradition' of ethnic conflicts. This was 'sending a message that is normalising the violence' in the State, the FOCS delegate said. 'We see this as getting away from responsibility rather than taking accountability for the problems of the people of Manipur. These narratives are not doing anything good for the people of the State. Such insensitive statements should be avoided,' he said.
