Fri Mar 07 18:37:46 UTC 2025: ## Manipur to Resume Free Movement After 22 Months of Ethnic Conflict; Peace March Raises Tensions

**Imphal, Manipur** – After a 22-month period of restricted movement resulting from deadly ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis, the Indian government has initiated efforts to restore free movement across Manipur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the implementation of this measure, effective Saturday, under the state’s current President’s rule.

The administration, under Governor A.K. Bhalla, has deployed public buses escorted by central forces along four key routes: Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati, Senapati-Kangpokpi-Imphal, Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur, and Churachandpur-Bishupur-Imphal. Helicopter services between Imphal and Churachandpur and Ukhrul will also commence. This initiative aims to address the breakdown in trust between the communities, which has seen displacement and a complete cessation of inter-community travel. The government also plans to expedite the fencing along the Myanmar border to enhance security.

However, the planned resumption of free movement coincides with a proposed peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), a Meitei group, further escalating tensions. The march, intended to foster unity between the valley and hill regions, has been met with strong opposition from Kuki organizations. The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) have rejected both the free movement initiative and the peace march, citing security concerns and the unresolved issue of Kuki-Zo demands for separate administration. They expressed willingness for the movement of goods, but not people, until their concerns are addressed. Security has been significantly heightened in anticipation of the march. The FOCS, however, maintains that the march aims for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation. The situation remains precarious as the government attempts to navigate the delicate balance between restoring normalcy and addressing deep-seated grievances.

Read More