Meiteis, Kukis, Nagas must unite for Manipur’s development: Khemchand

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Sunday urged Meiteis to act as a “big brother” among communities to promote peace and development. Addressing a Tiranga Rally, he stressed unity among Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas and warned against elements fostering mistrust

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Sunday said Meiteis must play the role of a “big brother” among the state’s communities to foster peace and development. Addressing a Tiranga Rally, Singh said various communities had come together in the past to protect Manipur. “In the history of Manipur, several communities came together to protect the land. During the devastating Burmese war in the 19th century, community leaders united to defeat and oust the enemies who had occupied the land,” he said.

Referring to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, Singh said the national flag reminded people that as Indian citizens, they must love the country like their own family. “We must remember that the first speaker when Manipur became independent from British rule in 1947 was a man from the Paite tribe in Churachandpur,” he said.

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“I want to stress that if Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas think of themselves only, Manipur will never develop and progress,” he added. The chief minister said the Meitei community must take the role of a “big brother” and preserve the land inherited from their ancestors.

“Also, I have suspicions that there are certain elements who have created mistrust among communities,” he said. Singh referred to his recent visit to Jiribam, where he interacted with members of the Kuki and Hmar communities, and said a bomb explosion subsequently took place at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, killing two children and critically injuring their mother.

“Please think if such a despicable act would be done by any government. It would have been done by those who are against the government. The public must know and realise that there are elements who want to destroy peace and must face them,” he said. Singh urged people to participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and work towards making Manipur a developed state.