Manipur’s Peace Envoy? Meitei BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Enters Kuki Village, Makes Historic Outreach Amid Ethnic Unrest

Amid two years of relentless ethnic violence in Manipur, a Meitei BJP legislator has taken an unprecedented step that many are calling a courageous stride toward peace. Former Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Yumnam Khemchand, visited a Kuki village on Monday — the first such gesture by a leader from one community toward the other since violence erupted in 2023.

BJP MLA Visits Relief Camps in Kuki Region

Khemchand travelled to Litan village in Ukhrul district and Chassad in Kamjong district, both located near the Myanmar border. These regions house several relief camps sheltering displaced Kuki families who lost homes to arson and violence over the last two years.

During his visit, Khemchand interacted with affected families, listening to their stories of destruction, displacement, and loss. He emphasized the importance of coexistence, saying:
“Conflicts arise across nations and communities worldwide, but we must learn to coexist peacefully despite our differences. There should be no barrier in visiting each other’s villages.”

A Rare and Risky Political Move

Accompanying Khemchand was BJP State Vice-President Hopingson Shimray, a prominent Tangkhul Naga leader. Shimray described the visit as a rare and courageous move at a time when political leaders from either side rarely step into the opposing community’s territory.

Shimray noted that Khemchand is the first Meitei BJP MLA to enter a Kuki relief camp since the conflict erupted. The step, he said, carries significant symbolic value at a time when mistrust between communities is at its peak.

Interacting with 173 Displaced Persons

At the Litan Sareikhong Baptist Church Relief Camp, Khemchand met 173 displaced villagers. Addressing them with empathy, he urged communities to ensure that the conflict does not jeopardize the future of their children.

“Adults may have differences,” he said,
“but we must think of the future of our children. We should all pray for the restoration of peace in Manipur. Peace must rise above politics and revenge.”

A Call for Harmony and Healing

Khemchand’s outreach has sparked discussions across Manipur, with many viewing it as a hopeful sign amid prolonged hostility. While tensions remain, his visit has raised expectations for more dialogue-based engagements between communities in the days ahead.