Manipur CM says community-centric ideas cannot bring peace
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh stressed the need for national unity during a National Unity Day event in Imphal.
Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh stated on Saturday that community-focused ideas are unable to foster economic progress or a peaceful environment in the state. Speaking at a National Unity Day event in Imphal, Singh emphasised the importance of strengthening unity across the country.
According to The Hindu, Singh noted that a state cannot be managed by focusing solely on the interests of a single community. He highlighted the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in integrating more than 560 princely states into the Union of India following independence.
The event marks the birth anniversary of Patel, which the Union government has observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2014. The day is intended to reinforce the nation's unity, integrity, and security.
The Chief Minister's comments come as Manipur faces ethnic conflict between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities. This conflict, which began in May 2023, has resulted in at least 306 deaths, while clashes between Kukis and Nagas have caused around 50 deaths since February.
On the same day, Meitei groups held a rally in Imphal seeking protection for indigenous people and the termination of the Suspension of Operations agreement. Naga civil bodies also held marches in Chandel and Senapati districts to support these demands.
The protests occurred after militants ambushed 14 Meitei men, resulting in three deaths.