Third Round of Talks Set for June 30 Between Manipur CSO and MHA

Last Updated on June 28, 2025 by SPN Editor

Imphal, June 28, 2025 – In a significant development aimed at addressing the protracted crisis in Manipur, a delegation of 19 representatives from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), and Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) is set to convene with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on June 30, 2025, for the third round of discussions. The meeting seeks to address the critical issues delaying the peace and stability in the conflict-affected state, with the delegates poised to present the prevailing public sentiments and ground realities to central authorities in pursuit of a sustainable resolution.

The initial round of talks, held on April 5, 2025, marked a pivotal moment as it was the first instance since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 that representatives from the Meitei and Kuki communities engaged in MHA-facilitated dialogue. The Meitei delegation comprised six members from AMUCO and FOCS, while eight representatives from the Kuki and Zomi Council participated. Chaired by the MHA’s Northeast Advisor, A.K. Mishra, the discussions centered on a six-point agenda, including the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, ensuring unrestricted movement along highways, and disarming conflicting groups. However, the talks concluded without consensus, as Kuki-Zo representatives declined to endorse a proposed joint peace appeal, citing the need for further consultation within their community. Notably, COCOMI abstained from the meeting, denouncing it as an inadequate effort to address the underlying causes of the conflict, particularly their concerns regarding the Suspension of Operations agreement with certain Kuki-Zo groups.

The second round of discussions, conducted on May 27, 2025, involved separate engagements between MHA officials and Meitei civil society organizations, COCOMI and FOCS, without Kuki participation. COCOMI, led by Convenor Khuraijam Athouba, expressed the indivisibility of Manipur’s identity and highlighted grievances related to incidents such as the Gwaltabi event, where the word “Manipur” was obscured on a state bus, triggering widespread protests. FOCS, under President B.M. Yaima Shah, proposed a five-point framework, urging the reclassification of the crisis as a militarized conflict driven by advanced weaponry and cross-border militancy, rather than a mere ethnic dispute.

Both organizations criticized the government’s approach, with COCOMI advocating for the termination of the SoO agreement and FOCS emphasizing the need for robust governance mechanisms to address systemic deficiencies. Despite the detailed deliberations, no definitive outcomes were achieved, though both parties agreed to sustain the dialogue process.

The rescheduling of the meeting from June 27 to June 30 highlights the urgency and complexity of the issues at hand. With Manipur grappling with the aftermath of ethnic violence that has resulted in over 300 fatalities and widespread displacement, these discussions represent a critical opportunity to foster reconciliation and establish a foundation for enduring peace.