IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that displaced persons from the Manipur ethnic violence residing both in the valley and the hills are willing to return to their homes. However, the Chief Minister observed that rebuilding trust between the communities remains a major challenge. He expressed optimism that mutual trust is gradually being restored and cited recent instances of inter-community interactions as encouraging signs of improving harmony in Manipur.
The Chief Minister said this while responding to concerns raised by some legislators in the Manipur Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday.
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On the issue of “free movement” of both the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, the Chief Minister said that the issue of announcing “free movement” remains sensitive in nature and therefore requires careful and responsible handling.
It can be noted here that ever since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, no Meitei can freely move to the Kuki-Zo inhabited areas and the Kuki-Zo members cannot come down to Imphal and other valley areas.
Over 60,000 people have been displaced and more than 250 people have lost their lives in the violence.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho stated in the Assembly that the Governor’s address reflected the commitment of the government towards ensuring peace, stability and inclusive development in the state.
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He observed that the various initiatives and programmes outlined by the government would significantly contribute towards strengthening peace and fostering overall development in Manipur. He then appealed to the ‘august house’ to extend its wholehearted support to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address.
It can be recalled here that the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly which was adjourned sine die on February 5, 2026, resumed in the Assembly Hall on Monday.