One-day discourse deliberates on peace restoration in Manipur

Academicians, leaders of civil society groups and community leaders from across hills and valleys assembled on Monday to deliberate on pathways for restoring peace in the strife-torn Manipur.
They deliberated on the crisis besieging Manipur in a one-day academic discourse on “Normalisation in Manipur” hosted by Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur at the Sangai hall of Hotel Imphal in Imphal.
“We are organizing this academic discourse to explore constructive ways for restoration of peace and normalcy in Manipur through dialogue and collective reflection,” FOCS acting president BM Yaima Shah told reporters on the sideline of the event.
Leaders of various communities participated in the discussion. Among them were Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh (Samu), principal of Moirang College; Dr LS Phaomei, chairman of Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone; Serto Ahao Kom, president of Kom Union Manipur; Jaiche Thangsinsam (Tomba), president of Kharam Naga Union, Manipur; Ch Lalpu Aimol, advisor of Aimol Tribe Union Manipur; and Nelson Chithung, executive member of the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee.
Presided over by the FOCS acting president, the discourse was moderated by retired professor of Anthropology, Manipur University, W Nabakumar.
Resource persons included retired professor of History, Manipur University, Naorem Joykumar; retired professor of Economics, Manipur University, Ch Priyoranjan; retired IAS officer Dr RK Nimai; and editor-in-chief of Impact TV, Y Rupachandra.
FOCS acting president BM Yaima Shah added that academic engagement and inclusive consultation with stakeholders were essential to address the complex challenges currently facing the state.
He expressed disappointment while alleging that the government failed to implement the commitments it has given regarding resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) by December 2025 and the opening of national highways.
While some progress was noticed in the resettlement of IDPs, no concrete steps were taken regarding the reopening of the national highways, he observed.
Shah said, “Unrestricted movement along national highways is crucial for restoring normalcy, economic stability, and public confidence.”
“The FOCS, in consultation with the people and various stakeholders, is considering formulating a roadmap to move the state forward in the absence of adequate measures on key issues,” he added.
The discourse deliberated on peace-building, governance, and social cohesion, with participants underlining the need for inclusive, people-centric approaches to achieve lasting normalcy in Manipur.