With tensions still high in Manipur, the Meitei Alliance warns that proceeding with delimitation without addressing security concerns could disrupt ongoing peace efforts. Their appeal to the PM seeks a dialogue on stabilizing the state before making major political changes.
BY PC Bureau
March 31, 2025 – The Meitei Alliance, a global consortium of Meitei diaspora organizations, has submitted a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to prioritize law and order, abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki militants, and implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur before proceeding with the Supreme Court-mandated delimitation exercise in the state.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the alliance emphasized the fragile security situation in Manipur following the violent outbreak on May 3, 2023, which they claim endangered the state’s territorial integrity, identity, and national security. They warned that proceeding with delimitation under the current circumstances could derail the ongoing peace efforts and escalate tensions further.
Historic Peace Accord Signed Between Meitei and Thadou Communities
Highlighting efforts towards reconciliation, the Meitei Alliance pointed to a landmark Six-Point Agreement signed on March 7, 2025, between their representatives and Thadou Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Thadou community, the largest Scheduled Tribe in Manipur. This agreement, according to the alliance, marked a crucial step towards long-term peace and stability.
Meitei Alliance submitted memorandum to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India requesting to Prioritise Law & Order and NRC before Delimitation in Manipur.@narendramodi @PMOIndia @AmitShah @AmitShahOffice @RajBhavManipur @BhallaAjay26 @RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/WppK531n3f
— Meitei Alliance (@Me1teiAlliance) April 1, 2025
However, they expressed grave concerns over the Supreme Court’s directive to complete the pending delimitation process in Manipur within three months. They fear that such an exercise, if executed without first addressing security and demographic concerns, could undermine the government’s ongoing peace initiatives and jeopardize the safety of the state’s most vulnerable populations, especially children and youth.
Key Demands: Law & Order, Abrogation of SoO, and NRC Update
The Meitei Alliance has called for the government to address three critical measures before initiating the delimitation process:
- Restoring Law and Order:
- The alliance urged the government to punish the perpetrators of violence, particularly accusing the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a Kuki organization, of inciting violence on March 8, 2025, in an attempt to obstruct the free movement of citizens across the state.
- They emphasized the need for strict enforcement of law and order to ensure lasting peace.
- Abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with Kuki Militants:
- The alliance accused Kuki militant groups of exploiting the SoO agreements to undermine peace initiatives.
- They called for the termination of these agreements to prevent what they described as continued security threats and disruptions to peace efforts.
- Updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Manipur:
- The alliance has demanded a Manipur-specific NRC framework to safeguard bonafide Indian citizens and ensure political stability, security, and communal harmony in the state.
- They stressed that an NRC update is necessary before delimitation to address demographic concerns.
Political and Civil Society Support for the Demand
The Meitei Alliance claims that their concerns aligned with a broader political sentiment in Manipur, as echoed in a meeting held on March 25, 2025, in Imphal. The gathering was attended by:
- Maharaja Shri Leishemba Sanajaoba, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
- Prominent political figures and community leaders
They collectively raised strong objections to delimitation without first addressing security and demographic concerns, reinforcing the stance taken by the Meitei Alliance.
A Call for Dialogue and Strategic Partnership
In their letter, the Meitei Alliance reiterated their commitment to peace, stability, and development in Manipur. They emphasized that as “sons and daughters of the soil,” they are prepared to contribute their knowledge, expertise, and global networks to support the government’s efforts.
They have formally requested an audience with Prime Minister Modi, along with their strategic partners, to present a comprehensive framework aligned with India’s Act East Policy.
As the government deliberates on the next steps, the question remains: Will the Centre prioritize security and stability before undertaking delimitation, or will it move forward despite widespread opposition? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Manipur’s political future.
The Meitei Alliance was founded in November 2023 and represents Meitei diaspora associations in India, Australia, the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and Nicaragua.
