Civil society forum discusses challenges of restoring peace in Manipur
- Jul 28, 2026,
- Updated Jul 28, 2026, 2:40 PM IST
Restoring confidence and trust among communities is essential for bringing lasting peace and normalcy to Manipur, speakers said during a one-day academic discourse organised by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) on July 28.
The event, titled Reshaping the Political Upheaval in Manipur: Issues and Challenges, was held at the conference hall of the Manipur Institute of Management Studies. It brought together academicians, civil society leaders and students to discuss the state's prolonged crisis and explore possible solutions.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the programme, FOCS spokesperson Puram Rakesh said the discourse aimed to identify practical ways to reinforce the idea of unity and strengthen the shared identity of Manipur.
He said the conflict has continued to affect people across the state for more than three years, warning that prolonged unrest would only push Manipur further backwards. According to him, there is an urgent need to identify workable mechanisms to address the crisis without compromising the state's core concerns.
Rakesh stressed that rebuilding trust between different communities remains the most important step towards ending the conflict. He said sustained outreach initiatives and dialogue among communities are necessary to restore confidence, adding that existing measures such as buffer zones and restrictions on movement have had a significant impact on inter-community relations.
He said the organisation would continue to facilitate engagement among community leaders, civil society organisations and policymakers to promote understanding and work towards reconciliation.
Rakesh also said resolutions emerging from the discourse would serve as the basis for FOCS's future efforts to support peace-building initiatives in the state.
The programme featured presentations by resource persons on a range of subjects, including the historical, social and economic dimensions of the ongoing crisis in Manipur.