Imphal, Dec 8 (NationPress) In a notable initiative since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023, former Minister and BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh made a visit to the tribal-majority districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong on Monday. This marks the first engagement by any Meitei leader with the hill areas since the onset of the conflict.

Political analysts have termed Singh’s visit as pioneering and a significant step towards fostering ethnic unity in Manipur, especially between the predominant Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes.

As a member of the majority Meitei community, Singh, who has previously served as the Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, visited the villages of Litan and Chassad to engage with the tribal populace.

Litan is situated in the Ukhrul district, while Chassad is located in Kamjong district, both of which are predominantly Naga areas also home to Kuki-Zo tribes.

A close associate of Khemchand Singh highlighted that the former Rural Development Minister's journey to the two Kuki villages serves as a confidence-building measure aimed at breaking the ice for the first time in 31 months since the ethnic clashes began between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

As he travelled to Litan, a Kuki hamlet in Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar, the 61-year-old BJP leader interacted with Kuki villagers, asking about their lives and the challenges they have faced over the past two and a half years.

During his visit, he went to a Kuki relief camp at Litan Sareikhong Baptist Church, where he spoke with residents who had fled their homes during the turmoil.

“As Christmas approaches, let us all pray for the restoration of peace in our state,” stated Singh, who was elected from the Singjamei assembly constituency in Imphal West district.

A sportsman-turned-politician and founder of the Assam Taekwondo Association, Singh had previously served as the Speaker of the Manipur Assembly. He offered words of comfort to the villagers, emphasizing that achieving peace should be a collective goal for all communities in the state.

Yumnam reminded the 173 Kuki residents at the relief camp that conflict is a global issue, but it should not obstruct the progress and development of Manipur.

“Conflicts arise between various nations and communities around the world. However, we must strive to coexist peacefully, regardless of our differences. There should be no barriers to visiting one another's villages,” he added.

He continued, “We must not permit this conflict to jeopardize our children's future. While we, the elders, may have our disagreements, our focus should be on the well-being of the next generation.”

As a rural development minister, Singh secured a package from the central government for the construction of 7,000 houses for internally displaced individuals.

Singh had also previously organized relief efforts for the Meitei community's internally displaced persons at Manipur College in Imphal for over seven months, assisting residents in returning to their homes in Serou and Sugunu villages. Hopingson Shimray, the state BJP vice president and a notable Tangkhul Naga leader who accompanied Singh, commended his remarkable gesture to visit Kuki villages in the hills when many are hesitant to venture into other community areas.

He noted that Yumnam is the first BJP Meitei MLA to enter a Kuki relief camp. Another Tangkhul Naga leader, Mark Luithing, former Chairman of the Autonomous District Council, remarked that Yumnam Singh is the first leader to initiate people-to-people dialogue following the violence in May 2023.

Singh also visited Chassad Kuki village in Kamjong district, which borders Myanmar.

Since the ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023, over 260 individuals have lost their lives, 1,500 have sustained injuries, and more than 70,000 have been displaced.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, shortly after N. Biren Singh resigned from his position as Chief Minister.