BJP legislator and former Rural Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized that the resolution of the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur relies solely on peace and dialogue. Speaking at an all-community Christmas celebration organized by the Liangmei Naga community in Namdilong, Khemchand urged prayers for harmony in the violence-affected state, marking the occasion by highlighting Lord Jesus Christ as the “Prince of Peace.” He noted the suffering of both the Meitei and Kuki communities over the past two years due to mutual restrictions on movement. Khemchand expressed hope that the spirit of Christmas would foster reconciliation and restore free movement between communities.
He articulated the importance of unity and collective responsibility among the 36 communities that inhabit Manipur, calling for collaboration to safeguard the state’s interests. During the celebration, Khemchand, who is also a Taekwondo Black Belt, participated in traditional dances alongside his wife, Joybala Devi. The ongoing violence, which erupted in May 2023, has led to over 260 fatalities and displaced over 60,000 individuals now residing in relief camps.
Khemchand became notably involved by being the first Meitei MLA to visit Kuki villages impacted by the violence and has shown commitment to addressing the needs of displaced Kuki families. He recalled a shared historical legacy of cooperation among the Nagas, Kukis, and Meiteis during World War II when they fought alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose against British colonial forces. Reinforcing the concept of unity, Khemchand stated that all communities of Manipur have historically come together to protect the state from external threats.
