DAYS after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Manipur since violence broke out in the state in May 2023, the convenor of the Meitei civil society group Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Khuraijam Athouba, spoke to The Indian Express on the significance of the visit for Imphal and the road ahead, among other issues. Excerpts:
Modi’s visit was long overdue and expected, given the gravity of the crisis in Manipur. While his acknowledgement of the violence and appreciation of Manipur’s rich culture were welcome, many in the Valley feel words alone cannot be a substitute for concrete action. People still await a firm roadmap that will ensure peace, justice and restoration of confidence.
* How has the PM’s appeal for peace been taken by the people in the Valley?
People of the Valley always stand for peace, but are also conscious that peace cannot be built on injustice or selective silence. While the PM’s appeal has been received respectfully, there is a strong sentiment that peace must be rooted in truth, accountability and protection of the indigenous population.
There are deep concerns about unchecked infiltration, narco-terrorism and the destruction of the state’s social fabric. Unless these issues are addressed, the PM’s appeal for peace risks sounding hollow.
* Modi also pushed for dialogue between the hills and the Valley. Are you prepared to sit across the table with the tribes and sort out issues?
Yes. Dialogue has always been a part of our approach. We see all indigenous communities of Manipur as our blood brothers. However, dialogue needs to be honest, transparent and without hidden agendas. It cannot take place in the shadow of armed groups or external influences. The people of the Valley are ready to engage for a peaceful resolution, if all sides come to the table with sincerity.
* How do you see the PM’s announcement of development projects?
Development is always welcome, but for Manipur, it would be incomplete without peace and stability. People in the Valley expect the PM to prioritise security, rule of law and safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity. (Development) projects will bear fruit only if the state is free from violence, demographic imbalance and influences of narco-economy.
* While you say the state’s territorial integrity cannot be compromised, Kuki groups have demanded a Union Territory with a legislature…
The demand for separation is unacceptable to the people of Manipur. The state’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable and has been defended by generations with immense sacrifices. Any move to fragment the state will only deepen the conflict and disturb the age-old bonds between indigenous groups. As the custodian of the Constitution, the PM has the responsibility to uphold the sanctity of Manipur’s territorial unity.
* Many read the PM’s message of strengthening local governance bodies as giving more powers to autonomous hill councils…
Strengthening local governance is important but it should not translate into creating parallel political structures that undermine Manipur’s unity. Devolution of powers for development and administration is one thing but anything that fuels separatism or encourages exclusivity will be strongly opposed. All governance mechanisms must work within the Constitutional framework that treats Manipur as one state.
* How do you see things going forward from here?
Going forward, the people of Manipur expect the Centre to take decisive steps like detecting and deporting illegal immigrants, tackling narco-terror networks, restoring law and order with neutrality, and ensuring fundamental rights of Manipuris, including free movement across the state.
Peace and reconciliation can take root only when these core concerns are addressed. The people of the Valley are committed to safeguarding Manipur’s identity, culture and integrity, and will support any initiative that is just, inclusive and in the larger interest of all indigenous peoples of the state.