Manipur Chief Minister Calls for Unity After Hostage Release

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Kangpokpi district on July 8. He met with 14 Kuki youths recently held hostage and released through mediation. Peace is the only path forward. The Chief Minister credited the United Naga Council for their role in the safe return of the captives.

Khemchand spoke to a crowd at Taphou Kuki village. He reminded the people that communal identity is secondary to national belonging. "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 government has a duty to keep the peace. Development relies on stability. Khemchand asked church leaders in Kangpokpi to help foster reconciliation. He urged residents to forgive and forget the past. The leaders provided a formal memorandum detailing their concerns to the Chief Minister.

Violence must end. Khemchand stated he is pushing Meitei youth to reject aggression and called on other leaders to do the same. He finished his tour in Imphal West at Namdilong. There, he listened to grievances from the local Liangmei Naga women.