Imphal | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on November 6 said many people in the hill areas of the state wanted peace, stressing the need for dialogue and reconciliation among communities affected by the prolonged ethnic conflict.

Addressing a BJP political conference at Irengbam Mapal Kangjeibung in Bishnupur district, organised in support of the party’s prospective candidate for the Oinam Assembly constituency, Kh Jibon Singh, the Chief Minister said the violence had caused widespread suffering across communities, including in Bishnupur.

Describing the conflict as unfortunate, Khemchand Singh said people must find a way to live together as Manipuris, irrespective of their community affiliations. “With that in mind, I started reaching out and talking with other communities,” he said, explaining his efforts to establish communication with people from different sections of the state.

The Chief Minister referred to his recent visit to the Sinai designated camp in Kangpokpi district, where CRPF personnel were deployed. He said he interacted with Kuki women who had gathered to meet him during the visit. “I met with Kuki mothers who were waiting for me. There are many in hill areas who want peace. Some want to destroy peace,” he said.

Khemchand Singh said his government and the BJP were aware of the hardships endured by people, particularly women and mothers, during the three years of ethnic violence. He assured that efforts would be made to address their difficulties and reduce their suffering.

“The BJP knows very well the hardships faced by the people and, more specifically, by the mothers and women during the last three years, and the party will definitely make sure that those hardships are eased,” he said. The Chief Minister also praised Jibon Singh for his organisational activities during the difficult period, saying he had remained connected with people and worked to strengthen the party.

Appealing to voters to support the BJP leader in the upcoming Assembly elections, Khemchand Singh said electing an MLA was the responsibility of the electorate, while the party leadership would decide the responsibilities assigned to the elected representative in the Assembly.

Manipur is likely to go to Assembly polls early next year. The Chief Minister’s outreach remarks come amid continuing efforts to rebuild trust between communities following the prolonged ethnic conflict that has deeply affected the state’s social and political landscape.