The Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei civil society organisation, has confirmed that it will go ahead with its planned peace march from Imphal to Senapati district on March 8, despite opposition from three Kuki organisations. FOCS president Th. Manihar stated that the march aims to promote harmony and is not intended to provoke any community. He welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent announcement allowing the free movement of all people across Manipur from March 8 and said the march would be a test of the Centre’s commitment.
“Three Kuki organisations have objected to our proposed march. We appeal to them to join us in this effort for peace,” Manihar said. He also noted that major tribal bodies like the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) have not opposed the march and urged them to support the initiative.
The march will commence at 8 am from Kangla Gate and pass through Kangpokpi district, a predominantly Kuki-inhabited region, before reaching Senapati. FOCS has also announced plans for a similar march to the border town of Moreh in the near future.
