FOCS Welcomes PM Modi’s Visit to Manipur, Urges Immediate Steps for Peace, Justice, and Normalcy
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, has welcomed the long-pending visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state, expressing hope that his presence will mark a decisive step towards restoring peace and stability after over two years of conflict, displacement, and uncertainty since violence first broke out on May 3, 2023.
In a press release, FOCS stated that the people of Manipur had endured immense suffering due to the prolonged crisis and stressed that the Prime Minister’s visit should not remain a “symbolic gesture” but translate into “meaningful actions that restore harmony and ensure a durable resolution.”
Reaffirming that peace is “not an event but a sustained process built upon trust, dialogue, and inclusiveness,” FOCS highlighted the need for urgent measures. During its earlier meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on March 12, 2025, the organization had submitted a five-point memorandum, which continues to serve as its framework for peace negotiations.
The memorandum outlines five core priorities:
1. Free Movement of People and Goods – Reopening National Highways and vital routes to uphold constitutional rights and maintain economic lifelines.
2. Safe Return and Rehabilitation of IDPs– Comprehensive support for displaced persons to reintegrate into their homes and communities.
3. Security and Accountability– Stronger law enforcement and mechanisms to prevent further armed attacks on civilians.
4. Transparent Demographic Study – A government-led process to address migration and settlement concerns to rebuild trust among communities.
5. Inclusive Dialogue – An unconditional, all-stakeholder peace dialogue to chart a path of reconciliation that is broad-based and enduring.
FOCS criticized the government for failing to enforce free movement along the National Highways, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive on March 8, 2025. It stressed that constitutional rights under Article 19(1)(d), guaranteeing free movement, had been denied to the people of the valley, particularly the Meitei/Meetei community, for more than two years.
Calling on the Prime Minister to prioritize the return of peace and normalcy, FOCS said, “The people of Manipur deserve nothing less than an equal stake in peace, justice, and security within the Indian Union.”
The organization concluded by reiterating that the ultimate goal of the peace process must safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity, preserve its unique cultural identity, and protect the fundamental rights of its people. “Only through sincerity, inclusiveness, and decisive action can peace be restored and Manipur’s wounds begin to heal,” it added.