Manipur CM, Kuki MLAs virtually hold talks with displaced Kukis, urge groups for unity

Guwahati: With Kuki organisations remaining firm on not allowing the Meiteis to enter Kuki-dominated areas, Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh, deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen and three other Kuki MLAs on Thursday virtually interacted with the displaced Kukis from a relief camp of displaced Meiteis in Imphal West.

The CM virtually took stock of the sufferings of the relief camp inmates and assured that he was trying to bridge the gap between the two communities in order to ensure free movement in each other's areas.

Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Kuki MLAs virtually interacting with the Kuki displaced persons from Imphal West on Thursday (February 19).

Singh also disbursed financial assistance amounting to Rs 33 crores for those living in relief camps since the Meitei-Kuki conflict erupted in May 2023.

A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office in Imphal said although some displaced persons returned home, challenges remain as fear continues among sections of people.

"Lasting peace will come only when communities reach mutual understanding. I appeal to the civil society organisations from both hills and valley to work together for restoration of normalcy," said the statement quoting the CM.

Since taking charge as the new CM on February 4, Singh, a Meitei, have been trying to reach out to both the communities for restoration of peace and free movement. But Kuki organisations like Kuki Zo Council made it clear that it would not allow entry of the Meiteis in their areas till a "political settlement" is reached by forming a Union Territory comprising Kuki-inhabited areas in Manipur.

Meiteis and the Kukis have been avoiding travel to each other's territory since May 2023 fearing fresh conflict.

The statement said several Meiteis who were displaced from Moreh, a Kuki-dominated town in Tengnoupal district, and have been taking shelter in the Valley, urged the CM to facilitate their return. Similarly, a Kuki student from Churachandpur highlighted how education of Kuki students, who studied in the Valley, got affected since they fled to Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district. The CM said out of the 8,000 Kuki students, 2,000 were getting education in other states, while 6,000 were still suffering.

The statement said Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki MLA, who virtually took oath as deputy CM on February 4, and three other Kuki MLAs, Letzamang Haokip, LM Khaute and Paolienlal Haokip also virtually took part in the interactions with the displaced persons on Thursday. The Kuki MLAs including Kipgen faced anger from the Kuki organisations for joining the government without reaching a solution to the conflict.