The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) organised a one-day academic discourse on “Reshaping the Political Upheaval in Manipur: Issues and Challenges” at the Conference Hall of the Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS), Manipur University, with speakers stressing the need to rebuild trust among communities and evolve practical solutions to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the state.
The programme was chaired by FOCS president B.M. Yaima Shah, while former Acting Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, Khaidem Mani, moderated the deliberations.
Retired IAS officer R.K. Nimai, Director of ARC Library and Archives Wangam Somorjit, Professor Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma of the Department of Economics, Manipur University, and Assistant Professor Dr. Kangujam Sanatomba of the Department of Political Science participated as resource persons, presenting their views on the political, historical, social and economic dimensions of the ongoing crisis.
Addressing the gathering, FOCS president B.M. Yaima Shah said the discourse was organised to facilitate an in-depth discussion on the prevailing political situation in Manipur and explore practical ways to resolve the prolonged crisis. He said experts from diverse fields were invited to share their perspectives so that meaningful recommendations could be evolved. He added that, after detailed deliberations, FOCS would compile the key recommendations and place them before the public as well as the concerned authorities as part of its efforts to contribute towards a lasting solution to the conflict that has persisted for more than three years.
The programme brought together academicians, civil society representatives and students to deliberate on the state’s prolonged turmoil and examine possible pathways to peace.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, FOCS spokesperson Puram Rakesh said the discourse aimed to identify practical measures to strengthen Manipur’s shared identity and promote unity. He observed that the conflict has deeply affected the state’s social and economic fabric and stressed that rebuilding trust between communities through sustained dialogue and confidence-building initiatives remains essential for restoring peace.
