IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has called for collective efforts to restore peace in the state, stressing that the Kuki, Meitei and Naga communities share a common pain despite their differences.
Speaking at a programme in Imphal on the prevailing trust deficit in Manipur, the Chief Minister said people across communities ultimately want peace and a secure future. He underlined the need to rebuild confidence through sustained interaction, dialogue and mutual understanding.
Khemchand Singh also called for identifying and taking action against individuals or groups that attempt to disrupt peace efforts. He recalled that Manipur had witnessed a period when people from different communities lived and travelled with greater interaction before the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
The Chief Minister said the prolonged crisis has created a deep trust deficit among communities, making reconciliation a difficult but necessary process. He emphasised that rebuilding relationships cannot be achieved through government action alone and requires participation from people across society.
The programme focused on the “Prevailing Trust Deficit and the Path Towards Trust Building”, highlighting the importance of dialogue and community-level engagement in moving Manipur towards lasting peace.
Assam Rifles Director General Vikas Lakhera also stressed that security forces alone cannot establish lasting peace. According to reports, he said sustainable peace depends on institutions, good governance, social interaction and mutual empathy.
He also urged young people not to allow the violence and unrest of the past three years to determine the future of the state.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come as efforts continue to address the prolonged crisis in Manipur. His emphasis on the shared suffering of the Kuki, Meitei and Naga communities reflects a call for greater understanding and collective responsibility.
For Manipur, rebuilding trust remains one of the biggest challenges. Sustained dialogue, interaction among communities and a commitment to peaceful coexistence will be crucial for restoring normalcy and creating a more stable future.