Imphal, June 25: The World Meetei Council (WMC) has urged Manipur’s Meetei and Kuki legislators to step up and take ownership of the ongoing ethnic conflict, now dragging into its third year. With families torn apart and lives disrupted, WMC says the time for waiting is over.
“If not our own leaders, then who will lead us toward peace?” asked Yambem Arun Meetei of the WMC, following the council’s recent executive meeting.
The group’s statement calls for meaningful action, beginning with reopening the Imphal International Airport to all communities, without fear or restriction. “The Meetei community must take moral and social responsibility to ensure safety for all,” the statement urged.
WMC also demanded that national highways be made accessible to all, stressing the need for safe passage free from violence or threats. They praised the recent symbolic move by COCOMI, which welcomed both Meetei and Kuki victims of the Ahmedabad air crash at Imphal airport, as a step toward unity.
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While acknowledging that wrongs have occurred on both sides, the WMC emphasized that reconciliation must begin somewhere, and it must begin now. “Pain, loss, and distrust have marked the past two years, but we are destined to live together,” Arun said.
The strongest message was reserved for Manipur’s elected representatives: “You have the people’s mandate. You must act. If you don’t lead, who will?”