Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Makes Historic Visit to Churachandpur
In a significant political gesture, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losi Dikho visited Churachandpur district on Saturday, marking the first time a senior state politician has traveled to the region since ethnic violence erupted between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in May 2023.
Symbolic Outreach at Football Tournament
Dikho arrived by helicopter to attend the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the 78th Zomi National Day Football Tournament. His presence was met with a warm reception from local football fans, creating a moment of symbolic outreach to a district that has been at the epicenter of Manipur's ethnic crisis.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Dikho delivered a powerful message of reconciliation: "Meiteis in Imphal miss you all. The present government is keen to bring back peace, normalcy and development for everyone in Manipur."
Call for Peace and Reflection
The deputy chief minister urged communities to learn from historical conflicts, specifically recalling the Kuki-Naga conflict as a cautionary example. "We don't want such incidents to occur again," he emphasized, highlighting the government's commitment to preventing further violence.
Invoking Christian values that resonate with many in the region, Dikho stressed that peace must return through genuine reconciliation efforts. He positioned sports as a particularly effective bridge between divided communities, stating: "In sport there is no religion, no caste, no boundary. Peace can return through sports if we really want it."
Government Support for Local Athletes
Dikho announced concrete support for young athletes in Churachandpur, describing the district as "endowed with so many budding players." He promised improvements to local playgrounds and infrastructure, a commitment that drew enthusiastic applause from tournament attendees.
On the broader security situation, the deputy chief minister expressed cautious optimism, noting that law and order conditions were showing improvement. When questioned about the possibility of a peace agreement, he responded positively: "Why not? There is a chance."
Tournament Highlights and Historical Context
The football tournament itself provided a backdrop for this political outreach. In the championship match, Ganggam Soccer Club emerged victorious over Zomi Football Club with a 2-1 scoreline.
Match commissioner Seiminlun noted the tournament's widespread appreciation and highlighted that both finalist teams had previously competed in the Manipur State League before ethnic violence disrupted football activities across the state.
This visit represents a tangible step toward rebuilding connections in a region fractured by months of conflict, with sports serving as both metaphor and mechanism for the reconciliation process.
