(Photo: CMO)
Imphal, July 31 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace, strengthening communal harmony, and creating conditions conducive to the return of normalcy across the state.
Representatives of the Unified Zou Organisation (UZO), Zomi Chief Association (ZCA) and the Zomi Council (ZC) on Friday called on him at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Babupara, where the Chief Minister, along with MLA Tongbram Robindro, extended a warm welcome to the delegation.
While talking with the 14-member delegation of the three organisations of the Zomi tribal community, the Chief Minister said that the government remained committed to its promise in promoting peace, normalcy and fostering harmony among all communities of the state and creating an environment conducive to normal life.
Khemchand Singh reiterated that the government would continue to engage with all stakeholders to achieve a peaceful, inclusive and lasting resolution to the prevailing situation.
A senior official of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that during the meeting, the representatives of the Zomi organisations apprised the Chief Minister of various issues concerning the state and assured him of their support towards the government’s ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and normalcy in Manipur. They also deliberated on initiatives to strengthen mutual trust and understanding among different communities.
The delegation further submitted a proposal seeking the construction of a Multi-Utility Hall at Churachandpur, a district inhabited by Kuki-Zo tribal communities.
The visit of the Zomi organisations assumes significance as it marks the first time in three years that representatives of the three organisations travelled together from Churachandpur to Imphal to meet the Chief Minister, reflecting the improving law and order situation and the gradual restoration of free movement between different communities.
Social Worker Joseph Valte, son of late MLA Vungzagin Valte, said that they are looking forward to the return of peace and prosperity in the state.
Manipur Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and veteran Zomi tribal community leader Vungzagin Valte died at a private hospital in Gurugram on February 21 (2026). A three-time legislator from the Thanlon Assembly constituency, Valte had been undergoing prolonged medical treatment in Delhi and Gurugram after he was brutally attacked during the ethnic violence in Manipur capital Imphal on May 4, 2023.
Chairman of the Zomi Council, Vumsuan Naulak, said the delegation had travelled from Churachandpur to brief the Chief Minister on the ongoing developments in the district and to help build mutual confidence among communities. He said the meeting was cordial and constructive, adding that they are grateful to the state government for reaching out and creating opportunities for people to work together for development and lasting peace.
Naulak further expressed the hope that peace would soon return to Manipur so that people from all communities could interact freely and collectively work towards the progress of the State. Secretary (Information and Publicity), Zomi Council, Mary Jones, said that after nearly three years, they were able to visit Imphal again, expressing happiness over the positive change and describing it as an encouraging sign for the restoration of normalcy.
Among those present in the delegation were P. Guite, Vice President, Zomi Chief Association; Liankhankhup Zou, Unified Zou Organisation (Zomi Council); along with other members of the Unified Zou Organisation, Zomi Chief Association and Zomi Council.
Since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, Kuki-Zo tribals residing in the state's hill districts have largely stopped visiting the Imphal Valley, which is predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community.
The Meiteis account for around 53 per cent of Manipur's population and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, comprising five to six districts. The tribal communities -- mainly the Nagas and the Kuki-Zo-Zomis -- constitute around 40 per cent of the state's population and predominantly inhabit the remaining 10 hill districts.
