Imphal, Aug 19 (NNN): Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the Meiteis must take on the role of a big brother and big sister, and take initiatives to bring an end to the present crisis in the state.
Khemchnd Singh, with a view to disseminate the message of peace and harmony among various communities in Manipur through different forms of art, met several renowned artistes of Manipur at the Chief Minister’s Bungalow at Babupara in Imphal on Wednesday.
Speaking to the artistes, Khemchand Singh stated that the crisis in the State, which started between two communities, has now turned into a conflict involving three communities. He added that the Meiteis must take on the role of a big brother and big sister, and take initiatives to bring an end to the crisis.
The Chief Minister recalled that during the crisis, when he was a Cabinet minister in the State, he had requested the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Henglep constituency, Letzamang Haokip, a Kuki legislator, to extend support in saving the lives of 120 Meitei labourers in Churachandpur district, which the MLA earnestly followed. Therefore, Khemchand Singh stated that it is unethical to blame an entire community for the wrongdoing of a few individuals.
He maintained that restoring trust and love among the different communities residing in the State requires bridging the barriers that had existed between them during the crisis. He added that Jiribam district has returned to normalcy, with all the communities residing peacefully without any mistrust.
Khemchand Singh also stressed that the government supports the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the State and appreciated the artistes for bringing up the issue to the government.
