Imphal, Aug 9: In a state where the notion of a common Manipur has been bitterly challenged by years of ethnic conflict, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh made a direct appeal for unity on Sunday during the Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra in the city. He urged Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis to transcend their respective communities and work together to rebuild the state.
The Chief Minister participated in the yatra organised by the Imphal Central District of the BJP and hosted by the Singjamei Mandal BJP, along with his wife Joybala Yumnam, State BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, BJP in-charge for Manipur Dr Ajeet Gopachade, BJP MLAs Thokchom Radheyshyam and Kh Joykishan Singh, among other party members and supporters.
Addressing the participants, Khemchand stressed the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding the state’s territorial integrity and urged the three major communities to put aside individual interests to build a shared future for Manipur. He particularly appealed to the Meitei community to shoulder the responsibility of a “big brother” and help uphold the state’s unity.
The appeal comes at a time when an ongoing ethnic conflict has displaced thousands, fractured communities and fostered deep suspicion between the hills and the Imphal Valley.
Amnesty International has reported that more than 200 people have been killed and over 60,000 displaced in Manipur since the latest bout of violence began in May 2023. The organisation has also cautioned that insecurity and armed conflict persist despite the return of an elected government.
In a more optimistic assessment of the state’s situation, Khemchand recounted his recent visit to Kangpokpi, saying he received a warm welcome and found no indication of an intention to block highways. He alleged that certain elements were attempting to foment divisions between communities.
Referring to his visit to Jiribam, the Chief Minister said people from different communities had come together in pursuit of peace. He, however, pointed to the subsequent blast at Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district, which killed two children, as evidence of resistance to peace efforts.
Khemchand said such incidents indicated that there were still people in the state opposed to the restoration of peace.
The Chief Minister’s appeal comes amid a gradual movement towards normalcy, alongside continuing security concerns. His government has taken initiatives to restore mobility along major routes and has also highlighted recent militant surrenders as part of the effort to bring stability back to the state.
Dr Ajeet Gopachade said peace and prosperity were taking centre stage under the Chief Minister’s leadership, while thanking women who braved the rain to participate in the Tiranga Yatra.
State BJP president Sharda Devi reiterated the party’s commitment to restoring peace in Manipur and highlighted the Chief Minister’s continued engagement with the hill districts as part of efforts to bring the state back to normalcy.
The roads may have reopened and mobility may be returning, but for a state divided for years, rebuilding mutual trust will be a far more difficult task.
The Tricolour was raised on Sunday as a symbol of togetherness. The harder question is whether, once the flags return to where they belong, Manipur’s different communities can begin to see one another not as opponents, but as part of a common family working towards a shared future.
