Former Manipur Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh Defends Visit to Kuki Villages, Calls It a Step Towards Peace
Former Manipur minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has strongly defended his recent visit to two Kuki villages in Ukhrul district, asserting that the purpose of his journey was to send out a message of peace and reconciliation. His visit, which included interactions with displaced Kuki villagers staying in relief camps, has sparked intense debate, drawing criticism from Kuki civil society organisations.
Speaking about his visit to the relief camps in Litan and Chassad, Khemchand emphasised that the sentiments of the villagers were clear—every member of the Kuki community longed to return to their homes. He stated that the government must play a proactive role in facilitating their safe return. “When we met everyone from the Kuki community, they said they wanted to go home, and the government should help.
They were very emotional,” Yumnam Khemchand Singh said. The former minister added that during times of conflict, elders have the responsibility to guide their communities towards peace. Reflecting on the broader impact of violence, he remarked, “Conflicts happen everywhere in the world, and conflicts hinder the development of our future generations, so we elders should bring about peace as soon as possible.”
Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s journey from Imphal to Kamjong, passing through the Kuki villages of Litan and Chassad, was encouraged even by local BJP leaders who hoped the visit would symbolise peace amid ongoing ethnic tensions. His presence, however, was not welcomed by all.
Kuki organisations slammed the visit, accusing Khemchand of using the suffering of displaced villagers for political mileage. The Kuki Inpi Ukhrul labelled his visit “unauthorised” and an insult to a community still awaiting justice. Similarly, the Kuki Zo Council described it as an “irresponsible publicity stunt,” asserting that Khemchand’s actions did little to address the core issues faced by the displaced population.
Despite the backlash, Khemchand’s visit marked a significant moment. Since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, Kukis and Meiteis have largely avoided entering each other’s territories. His visit made him the first leader from either community to cross this divide, symbolically challenging the deep mistrust that has engulfed the state.
More than 260 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced in the ongoing ethnic conflict and over fifty thousand are still living in relief camps. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid criticism of his administration’s handling of the crisis.
