Deputy CM Losii Dikho talks with Zomi leaders at CCpur Zomi Council makes no mention of political demands

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 14: As a part of the new Government's efforts to restore normalcy and peace, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho visited Churachandpur and conven-ed a closed door meeting with representatives of Zomi community today.
Losii Dikho landed at the 36 AR helipad in Chura-chandpur in the afternoon. He was in the district to attend the closing ceremony of the 78th Zomi National Day Football Tournament.
It was the first time a Deputy Chief Minister has visited Churachandpur since the Manipur conflict erupted on May 3, 2023.
It came days after Chief Minister Yumnam Khem-chand visited Jiribam in person and met with people of both Meitei and Hmar communities.
Before the closing function of the tournament, Dikho arrived at the Zomi Council's head office and met with leaders of the council and sub-clans under Zomi.
During the close door meeting which lasted around 40 minutes, Dikho appealed to the community leaders to assist the Government in its efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the State.
Dikho said his visit to Churachandpur was an assignment given by the Chief Minister and he was representing him.
Sources said the Zomi Council did not bring up any political demands.
During the meeting, the Zomi leaders asserted the community did not instigate violence in the conflict.
While Zomi leaders urged the Deputy Chief Minister to bring development projects in the district, sources said, Dikho set peace and normalcy as prerequisites for development.
Dikho reportedly told the Zomi leaders that the State Government was revived under Yumnam Khemchand to bring about resolutions and peace.
"Development can come only after peace is restored." No development work can be taken up when there is no peace, Dikho reportedly told the Zomi leaders.
"All the communities including Naga, Zomi and Meitei may have their demands. The Nagas have the Framework Agreement, and the Kuki may have their own demands. However, if there is no peace, there can be no talks and all demands will be futile," Dikho told the Zomi leaders, according to sources.
He reiterated that the Zomi and all other communities must come to the table to do away with any misunderstanding, restore peace and bring about development.
Sources further said the Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged Zomi community's aid to the Nagas during the Naga-Kuki conflict.
On the grievances of the internally displaced persons, Dikho said the Government is streamlining works for their welfare, and adequate funds have been earmarked in the budget.
Dikho assured the Zomi leaders that he would be back with "good news" on February 20 after  discussions with the Chief Minister. He invited the Zomi leaders to Imphal to hold talks, and urged them to extend their support to the new Government.
Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner Dharun, 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigadier S Prashant, Churachandpur SP Gourav Dogra and some administrative officials were present at the meeting.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister attended the closing function of the football tournament.
Speaking at the function, he conveyed Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand's greetings to the people and sought their support and cooperation in efforts to restore complete normalcy and peace.