Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh today said, “Whether it is Kuki, Naga, Meitei, or any other community, we are all citizens of India. Secondly, we are all Manipuri. You are Manipuri Kuki, I am Manipuri Meitei, and you are Manipuri Naga.”
The Chief Minister made the statement at the residence of Village Chief of Taphou Kuki Village in Kangpokppi district upon his return from a day-long visit to Senapati district. Shri Khemchand Singh also interacted with the 14 Kuki youths who have been released safely after being held captive recently.
Speaking about the meeting with representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) at Senapati earlier today, the Chief Minister told the Kuki villagers that he thanked the UNC for safely releasing the 14 Kuki youths through peace initiatives. He added that the youths who were held hostage were saved unharmed by God, not by him.
As the Chief Minister of Manipur, he said, his duty is to find a way for all communities to live together in harmony. The Chief Minister further said that a way must be chalked out so that all communities can live in complete harmony in the State.
Shri Khemchand Singh stated that there can be no development where there is no peace.
The Chief Minister had a brief stopover at Kangpokpi Head Quarters, where he was warmly received by the Churches leaders.
Interacting with the Church leaders, Shri Khemchand Singh said that let us all forgive and forget the past and move forward to bringing peace in the State.
The Chief Minister shared with the Church leaders that, for the welfare of future generations, he, as a Meitei, has been making efforts to guide and restrain Meitei youths from violence. He expressed hope that the Church leaders would also make similar efforts within their respective communities.
Shri Khemchand Singh appealed the Church leaders to carry forward the goodwill efforts aimed at restoring peace in the State. He further urged everyone to work collectively towards bringing lasting peace to the State.
Later, the Church leaders submitted a Memorandum to the Chief Minister.
On reaching Namdilong, Imphal West the Chief Minister also met women folk of Liangmei Naga Community and patiently listened to their grievances.
