CHURACHANDPUR: After meeting different stakeholders in different locations since day one of swearing-in, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho on Saturday undertook another peacebuilding mission by reaching out to the Zomi community.
He is the first state government elected member from outside the district to visit Churachandpur DHQ after the outbreak of violence since May 2023 as he attended the 78th Zomi National Day Football Tournament held at Lamka Public ground.
Prior to the game, Losii Dikho held a 40-minute closed door meeting with Zomi Council and its constituent leaders. The Zomi leaders expressed their concerns on IDP welfare, developmental works and other issues. The Deputy CM assured to discuss all related matters with the CM and address in time to usher in peace and development in the district.
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The deputy chief minister landed at the 36 AR helipad and proceeded towards the Lamka Public ground and attended the closing function of the football tournament organised by Lamka Event amid cheers from football fans who crowded the playground. On the occasion, DC Dharun, Brig S Prashant, SP Gourav Dogra, Churachandpur SDO Anunay along with other Zomi council dignitaries witnessed the grand finale.
During his address to the gatherings of football fans, he struck a note on urgent need for peace among the people living in the entire state of Manipur for ensuring an all-round development, apparently hinting that of the crisis besetting the state between tribes and communities.
He further continued that the present popular government is keen to bring back peace, normalcy and development for all. He also conveyed the wishes and greetings of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand to the people seeking support to bring normalcy in Manipur. He also informed that the CM is serious with the IDPs issues and their welfare.
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Dikho stated, “We must try to ensure that peace returns once again in the state citing the preachings of Jesus Christ and which is incorporated with our Christian ethic”. Stressing about the need to learn from past mistakes, he shared experiences during Kuki-Naga crisis and noted “We had learnt many things in the past when the Kuki-Naga conflict occurred and cannot risk such cases again”
Talking about the importance of sports, he said peace can be made to return through sports if “we really want it ” because sports have no religion, no cases and no boundaries. He disclosed that the present government is sincerely committed to tame the youngster talent in sports while maintaining Churachandpur is endowed with so many budding sports talent. He then said Churachandpur is endowed with so many playgrounds yet needs to be improved further assuring the gathering to do the needful amid thunderous applause.
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The 6th Edition of the 78th Zomi National Day Football Tournament 2026 kicked off on January 14, 2026 whereby 25 teams participated and vied for Rs 3 Lakh as cash prize with trophy. The final match was played between Ganggam Soccer and Zomi Football Club where the former won the championship by 2-1 margin.