Manipur’s Path to Peace: CM’s Bold Outreach Amid Radical Sabotage

By – Laimayum Bashanta Sharma
In a decisive push to bolster welfare delivery across Manipur’s hill districts, Director of Social Welfare Sheikh Abdul Hakim visited Churachandpur, accompanied by departmental staff. This outreach, under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, underscores a commitment to inclusive governance. The Director engaged key MLAs, urging their cooperation to channel welfare schemes and government projects directly to the grassroots—ensuring no community is left behind.
Just days earlier, the Hon’ble CM exemplified this resolve during his journey to Assam for an electoral campaign. He made targeted stops in Kuki- and Naga-dominated areas, seizing every opportunity to connect with the people. These actions vividly demonstrate his declared stance: governance that embraces all, transcending divisions. In a state scarred by ethnic tensions—particularly between Meitei and Kuki communities—this sincerity shines through, even as radical voices seek to undermine it.
Manipur’s recent history is a grim reminder of fragility. Buffer zones were once enforced to protect lives amid escalating violence. Yet, hate-mongering radicals, abetted by vested interests like opposition politicians, relentlessly sabotage peace efforts. They exploit freedom of speech across social and mainstream media, planting divisive narratives to belittle the CM’s initiatives and fuel endless attacks. Rumors have long ignited unrest, compounding massive losses of lives, properties, and deep-seated fault lines from past legacies.
The administration under Hon’ble CM Yumnam Khemchand stands firm: neutrality is non-negotiable. Justice will prevail without favoritism in this volatile landscape. Reconciliation is no quick fix—it’s a painstaking process, potentially spanning years or decades. But the state must lead with dialogue and confidence-building measures. The guilty will face the law’s long arm, demanding public restraint from perpetual hostility. History proves dialogue, not division, forges lasting peace.
At this crucial hour of relative calm, the silent majority holds the key. Ignore the radicals’ agenda-driven propaganda. Whether from renowned activists, journalists, public figures, or powerful CSOs, beware those peddling hatred and polarization for political gain. Their rhetoric—”if you can’t convince, confuse”—fuels venom to divide and conquer, often under patriotic masks. Influencers, now infamous tools, amplify this chaos. The fourth pillar of democracy stands compromised, with radicals—emboldened by shadowy organizations and parties—playing the victim card, wielding human rights as shields for radical agendas.
These anarchists, masquerading as patriots, lurk among us as friends and neighbors. Laughably, some privately praise a notorious family-controlled political party, infamous for scams, counter-insurgency massacres (fake encounters) across the Northeast, unchecked illegal immigration overwhelming natives, and manifesto promises that flirted with Manipur’s balkanization. This same entity championed appeasement and reservations for vote banks, with its leader attacking Bharat from abroad and invoking global powers for regime change under a “save democracy” guise. Media reports, columns by eminent citizens, and public records expose these hypocrisies—painting such forces as Manipur’s false saviors spells disaster.
The Hon’ble CM’s all-inclusive peace initiative offers true liberation from war-mongering radicals colluding with corrupt entities. Manipur—and Bharat’s collective interests—demand we rally behind it. The silent majority must rise, sidelining those who divide for power. Support this healing journey; let dialogue triumph over destruction.
(The author is Spokesperson, BJP Manipur Pradesh)