Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday stressed the need to build lasting communal harmony, saying a collective effort is required to ensure that people from all communities can live together peacefully in the state.
The chief minister visited the residence of the village chief of Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district after returning from a day-long tour of Senapati district. Earlier in the day, Singh visited Naga-inhabited Senapati district before travelling to Kuki-Zo-dominated Kangpokpi district as part of his outreach programme.
As part of the government’s efforts to ensure balanced development across the Imphal Valley and the hill districts, while simultaneously restoring peace and normalcy in the state, the chief minister has, over the past several months, undertaken extensive tours of Meitei-, Kuki-Zo-, and Naga-inhabited areas.
During his visit to the residence of the Taphou Kuki village chief, Singh said that whether it is Kuki, Naga, Meitei or any other community, they are all citizens of India. He added that they are all Manipuris, and that he is Manipuri Meitei while they are Manipuri Kuki and Manipuri Naga.
Khemchand Singh also interacted with the 14 Kuki youths who were recently released safely after being held captive for about a month.
Referring to his meeting earlier in the day with representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) in Senapati, the chief minister told the Kuki villagers that he had thanked the UNC for facilitating the safe release of the 14 Kuki youths through peace initiatives. He added that the youths who had been held hostage for about a month were ultimately saved unharmed by the grace of God, not because of his personal efforts.
As the chief minister of Manipur, Khemchand Singh said it is his foremost responsibility to find a way for all communities to coexist peacefully and rebuild mutual trust. He said there can be no development where there is no peace.
The chief minister also made a brief stopover at Kangpokpi headquarters, where he was accorded a warm reception by Church leaders. Interacting with the Church leaders, Singh appealed to them to join hands in the peace-building process, saying they should forgive and forget the past and move forward together to restore peace in the state.
He told the Church leaders that for the welfare of future generations, he, as a Meitei, has been making sustained efforts to guide and restrain Meitei youths from violence and confrontation.
Expressing hope that leaders of other communities would make similar efforts within their respective societies, the chief minister urged the Church leaders to carry forward the ongoing goodwill initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy and strengthening communal harmony across the state.
He further appealed to all sections of society to work collectively towards achieving lasting peace, reconciliation and inclusive development in Manipur.
Later, the Church leaders submitted a memorandum to the chief minister highlighting various local issues and concerns.
On his return journey, the chief minister also met women from the Liangmei Naga community at Namdilong in Imphal West district, where he patiently listened to their grievances and assured them that the government would continue to address the concerns of all communities through dialogue, development and inclusive governance.
(IANS)
