In a first, Meitei MLA visits Kuki relief camp, says conflict shouldn’t hinder progress

Over one lakh internally displaced people continue to stay in various relief camps across the state. He also interacted with Kuki villagers enquired about the hardship and the issues they have faced over the past two and a half years, and emphasised that restoring peace should be the primary objective of all communities.

Singh said that though there are instances of conflict in every part of the world, it should not hinder the state’s progress and development.

“With the coming of Christmas, we all should pray for the return of peace in the state. Due to the ongoing conflict and restricted movement, our development has been hindered, and our younger generation is at risk. There should not be any hindrance in visiting each other’s villages,” Singh added.

He said, “We should not allow this conflict to affect the future of our children. We, the elders, may have differences, but we should think about our children who are the future of the state.”

An aide of Singh said the visit was undertaken at his individual capacity and has nothing to do with politics.

Hopingson Shimray, state BJP vice president and prominent Tangkhul Naga leader who accompanied Singh, said it was a “remarkable gesture” to travel to Kuki villages in the hills in an atmosphere when there is reluctance to venture to another community’s area. He said that Singh is the first BJP Meitei MLA to step into a Kuki relief camp.

Another Tangkhul Naga leader, Mark Luithing, former ADC chairman, said Singh is the first leader to start people-to-people contact after the turmoil which began in May 2023, in which over 250 people have died and thousands rendered homeless. He also said Singh visited Chassad Kuki village in Kamjong district, also bordering Myanmar.