Forget and forgive, says CM in Kpi

Correspondent/OSR
KPI/IMP, Jul 8: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh underscored the importance of the "Christian principle of forgive and forget" as a foundation for reconciliation and lasting peace in Manipur at Kangpokpi district today.
The Chief Minister, who was returning from Senapati, addressed Christian Church leaders and members of the public who were staging a protest rally demanding fast-track probe into the killing of three Pastors and an end to economic blockade.
A memorandum demanding the same was also submitted to the CM by Kuki-Zo Church leaders.
Addressing the protesters, Yumnam Khemchand said the prolonged conflict has its gravest impact on the younger generation.
When communities remain locked in violence, it is the youth who bear the consequences, jeopardising the future of society, he said.
He urged all communities, particularly religious leaders, to play a proactive role in persuading young people to shun violence and embrace peace.
Emphasising the need to restore a peaceful atmosphere conducive to inclusive development, the Chief Minister said sustained peace is essential for rebuilding lives, strengthening communal harmony and ensuring progress for all sections of the society.
Reaffirming the Government's commitment to upholding the rule of law, he asserted that no individual or community is above the law and assured that justice would prevail without discrimination.
He further stressed the urgent need to build trust among communities, and said mutual respect, dialogue and reconciliation efforts are indispensable for securing enduring peace and stability in Manipur.
Notably, Church leaders from across Kangpokpi district under the banner of the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum (KZCF) were organising a mass prayer service and peace rally when the CM briefly stopped to address them.
The prayer service was held at KBC Centre Church, Kangpokpi, followed by the rally on National Highway-2.
The memorandum submitted to the CM demanded the Government to fast track the probe into the killing of three Church leaders on May 13 and deliver justice.
It also urged the CM for his intervention in restoring supplies to Kangpokpi.
The Chief Minister also stated that all bonafide citizens of Manipur are Indians, irrespective of whether they belong to the Meitei, Naga, Kuki, or any other community while visiting the residence of the chief of Taphou Kuki Village in Kangpokpi.
Khemchand also interacted with the 14 Kuki youths who were safely released on June 9 after being held captive recently.
Speaking about his meeting with representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) at Senapati earlier today, the Chief Minister told the Kuki villagers that he thanked the UNC for facilitating the safe release of the 14 Kuki youths through peaceful initiatives.
He added that the youths who were held captive were released unharmed by the grace of God and not because of any personal effort on his part.
As the Chief Minister of Manipur, he stated that his responsibility is to find a way for all communities to coexist peacefully and harmoniously.
Calling for unity among the State's communities, he said, "We are all Manipuris."
He further emphasized that a clear roadmap must be developed to ensure that all communities in the State can live together in complete harmony.
Khemchand reiterated that meaningful development cannot take place in the absence of peace.
The Chief Minister made a brief stopover at the Kangpokpi Headquarters, where he was received by Church leaders.
During his interaction with them, he appealed to all communities to forgive and forget all the past misdeeds and work together towards restoring peace in the State.
The Chief Minister informed the Church leaders that he, as a Meitei, has been making sincere efforts to guide and restrain Meitei youths from resorting to violence.
 He expressed hope that the Church leaders would also take similar initiatives within their respective communities to promote peace and harmony.
Khemchand appealed to all stakeholders to work collectively towards achieving lasting peace and harmony.
Later, the Church leaders submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
On reaching Namdilong, Imphal West the Chief Minister met womenfolk of the Liangmai Naga community and listened to their grievances.