Amid the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Yumnam Khemchand Singh has asserted that peace and dialogue are the only viable path to resolution. The former Rural Development Minister made these remarks at a Christmas gathering, expressing his hope that the festive season would mark a new chapter of peaceful coexistence between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Since the eruption of ethnic violence in May 2023, Manipur has been deeply fractured, with the Meitei and Kuki communities bearing the brunt of the conflict. The clashes have resulted in over 260 lives lost and thousands displaced, leaving a profound impact on the state. Over 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently residing in various relief camps across the state. The ongoing unrest has led to a virtual partitioning of Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribal areas, further exacerbating the divide.
Khemchand, the BJP MLA, emphasized the urgent need for reconciliation, highlighting the suffering endured by both Meitei and Kuki communities, who have been unable to access each other's areas for the past two years. He voiced his hope that the spirit of Christmas would help dismantle these barriers, fostering mutual access and understanding between the communities.
In a rare outreach effort, Khemchand recently visited two Kuki villages, Litan and Chassad, in the hill districts. This visit marked a significant step towards building confidence and opening channels for dialogue between the communities. During his visit, he interacted with local residents, inquired about their challenges, and visited a Kuki relief camp, urging everyone to pray for peace. Addressing the residents, he stressed that peace should be the shared goal of all communities, emphasizing that conflicts should not impede Manipur's progress.
Khemchand also highlighted Manipur's diverse composition, noting that the state comprises 36 communities, each with a crucial role in safeguarding its interests. He urged all communities to unite in protecting Manipur.
Khemchand, a sportsman-turned-politician and founder of the Assam Taekwondo Association, also served as the former Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. During his tenure as Rural Development Minister, he secured a central package for constructing 7,000 houses for internally displaced persons. He also organized a relief camp for displaced Meitei families at Manipur College, Imphal, for over seven months, assisting them in returning to their homes.
Hopingson Shimray, State BJP Vice President and a prominent Tangkhul Naga leader, accompanied Khemchand during his visit to the Kuki villages, lauding it as a noteworthy act of courage and solidarity. Khemchand's efforts underscore the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving the ethnic crisis and restoring peace and harmony in Manipur.
