The Manipur government has constituted District-Level Peace Committees in all 16 districts to promote dialogue, rebuild community confidence and prevent further escalation of tensions amid the state’s continuing law and order challenges.
According to an order issued by the Home Department on October 30 and shared with the media on Tuesday, the committees will be chaired by the respective District Magistrates and comprise 11 members, including the Superintendent of Police, Sub-Divisional Officers, Sub-Deputy Collectors and district-level officials from relevant departments.
Community leaders, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, local media representatives, journalists and retired government officials will also participate in the committees.
The bodies will facilitate regular discussions with communities and other stakeholders to address grievances, resolve misunderstandings and promote mutual trust. They will also identify emerging tensions, rumours and potential triggers of conflict and alert district authorities for preventive action.
The committees will recommend confidence-building measures, encourage dialogue between districts, particularly in conflict-affected areas, and suggest steps to ensure safe movement of people, restore essential services and resume normal socio-economic activities wherever feasible.
They will coordinate with the police, district administration and other agencies to address issues affecting peace and security, ensuring that all measures remain within the law.
The order directs each committee to meet at least once every fortnight, or more frequently depending on the situation. The committees will function as consultative and facilitative bodies to support peace-building efforts across the state.
