FOCS Delegation Meets MHA Officials in Delhi, Presses for Strategic Reframing of Manipur Conflict
New Delhi, May 27, 2025: A high-level delegation of the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), Manipur, led by its President BM Yaima Shah, met with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today in the national capital. This marks the second formal engagement between FOCS and the Central Government following their initial meeting on March 12, 2025.
From the Government of India, the delegation was received by A.K. Mishra, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Northeast Affairs), Rajesh Kamble, Joint Director, along with key officials from the Intelligence Bureau. The closed-door meeting, which lasted from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM, centered on reviewing the ongoing crisis in Manipur and outlining a strategic framework to address it.
In a detailed press release issued by FOCS following the meeting, the organization reiterated five key discussion points. These are: Moral Framing, Rationale for Reframing, Framing the Denial, Conceptual Reframing, and Operational Reframing.
Moral Framing
FOCS raised serious concerns about the continued reliance by some senior government officials on the moral lens applied during the early days of the conflict—particularly post-May 3, 2023—when widespread violence against the Kuki-Zo communities in the valley triggered national outrage. According to FOCS, the conflict has since evolved dramatically, and retaining that moral framing leads to policy paralysis and fuels further violence.
They argued that the initial violence in Churachandpur was instigated by Kuki-Zo elements, which provoked spontaneous retaliations in the valley. Today, Kuki-Zo armed groups have become increasingly militarized and are engaging in extreme and diabolical methods of warfare. FOCS cautioned that clinging to outdated narratives risks dangerous misjudgment and undermines security responses.
Rationale for Reframing: A Conflict Timeline
FOCS presented a detailed timeline outlining the shifting phases of the conflict:
May 3, 2023: Spontaneous civil unrest broke out across both valley and hill regions, leading to ethnic displacement and mob violence.
From May 22, 2023: The conflict transitioned into organized, militarized engagements, marked by territorial control and armed bunkers.
September 1, 2024: Drone attacks and missile strikes introduced a qualitative leap in the conflict’s intensity.
December 24, 2024: Last major armed confrontation in Imphal East, leading to effective BSF countermeasures.
June 21, 2023, onwards: Grey-zone warfare emerged, including terror tactics such as IED blasts, sabotage of fuel convoys, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
Incidents cited include:
- IED blast at Kwakta Bridge (June 21, 2023)
- Sabotage of Leimakhong stream with heavy fuel (January 11, 2024)
- Convoy attack near Keimai on NH-37 (April 16, 2024)
- IED damage to NH-2 bridge near Kangpokpi (April 24, 2024)
- Attacks on state power grid in April 2024
FOCS highlighted how the security environment deteriorated due to delayed and inconsistent government action, allowing extremist Kuki elements to gain dominance and suppress moderate voices.
Framing the Denial: Strategic Communication Deficit
The delegation emphasized that the government’s repeated rejection of demands for separate Kuki-Zo administration or Union Territory status lacks moral clarity when framed as merely an administrative issue. FOCS argued that a principled rejection—emphasizing Manipur’s historical integrity as a unified entity—could provide reassurance to the Meitei community and help delegitimize separatist rhetoric more effectively.
Conceptual Reframing: Rejecting Fatalism
FOCS criticized the view held by some political leaders that the conflict is an inevitable outcome of Manipur’s history. They argued this deterministic narrative ignores the empirical reality that Meiteis have largely coexisted peacefully with other ethnic groups, save for the 1993 conflict with Muslims. Such fatalism, FOCS warned, provides cover for those responsible and prevents accountability.
Operational Reframing: Security Forces Can Act When Empowered
Citing several examples, FOCS stated that the security forces have proven their capability to contain violence when empowered. The cessation of drone attacks after the visit of the Assam Rifles DG and the filing of NIA cases is one such instance. The BSF’s successful dismantling of militant bunkers in Imphal East during December 2024 also showcased the impact of firm action. Likewise, after arrests in the Kwakta IED case, terror activities temporarily subsided, indicating that accountability works.
Observation: Need for Strategic Reassessment
Summarizing the discussion, FOCS stated that the initial framing of the Kuki-Zo as victims is now outdated. The conflict has morphed into a strategic confrontation marked by organized warfare, drone and missile use, and terror tactics. The state’s failure to intervene early allowed hardliners to consolidate power, further sidelining moderates.
FOCS also warned that the shifting conflict zone toward the Indo-Myanmar border now presents cross-border risks, with potential ramifications involving Myanmar and China.
They concluded by stressing the need for operational agility, strategic clarity, and the rejection of fatalistic narratives. Only through a serious reassessment and principled communication can public trust be restored and long-term peace achieved.