Tengnoupal Assembly Constituency MLA Letpao Haokip organised a Community Leaders’ Peace and Unity March on Saturday, bringing together leaders from different communities and former members of the Autonomous District Council (ADC), Chandel, in a collective appeal for peace and harmony.
The programme was followed by a peace meeting at Gaby’s Cafe in Tengnoupal, where participants expressed concern over the prolonged violence and its devastating impact on the lives of ordinary people.
The meeting unanimously appealed to all sections of society to shun violence and give peace a chance, stating that the ongoing conflict had resulted in suffering, displacement and loss of lives and property.
Participants also resolved to work collectively towards rebuilding trust among communities and preventing any further escalation of violence. They urged the government and civil society organisations to take sincere and concrete measures to ensure lasting peace.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Letpao Haokip said the prolonged conflict had taken a heavy toll on the people and pushed development backwards. He called for an end to violence and stressed the need to prioritise peace and development.
“If at all we have to wage a war, we should wage war against poverty, illiteracy and hunger — not against each other,” Letpao said.
He observed that poverty, lack of education and unemployment were among the major challenges facing society, and urged people to unite in addressing these issues rather than engaging in conflict among communities.
The MLA also stressed the need to improve education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities for young people. He appealed to the youth not to be misled by divisive forces and instead channel their energy towards education, constructive engagement and nation-building.
The programme concluded with a renewed call for peace, unity and collective efforts to restore harmony and promote development in the region.
