‘Khemchand has no animosity towards any community’

Q/ You are the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, assuming office at a time when there is a need for dialogue to bridge the divide between communities. How do you plan to address it ?
I am deeply grateful to the Central leadership and my party for trusting me with this responsibility at such a critical time. I accept this role with humility. My guiding principles have always been integrity, truth and justice, and standing firmly with my people. The people have suffered immense pain and loss. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, livelihood disrupted and the sense of security shattered. This suffering cannot be ignored. At this stage, rebuilding cannot be limited to infrastructure alone. We must also restore confidence, dignity and hope. Healing must come first. Women are the backbone of society, especially during conflict. Today, women, children and the elderly form the majority of those displaced. As a woman leader, I understand their suffering and feel a deep responsibility to represent their voices and concerns in governance.
Q/ How do you see the representation of Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities in Government ? How confident are you of a similar integration among the people?
Unity is absolutely essential. I do not represent one community alone. I am a tribal leader, representing tribal people as a whole. I do not divide people along narrow lines. Integration is the only way forward for governance and peace. The Chief Minister shares this approach. Whenever I am unable to travel to certain areas due to security constraints, he goes personally and engages with people.
Q/ There has been violence in the hill districts after your appointment.
The violence is deeply unfortunate. Physically, communities are separated, and a political solution is required. To achieve that solution, I need to be a part of the Government. Some of the opposition to my appointment may be driven by misinformation. When people understand my purpose, they will realise why I took this step. This opportunity is crucial. Missing it would mean missing a critical chance to work towards resolution.
Q/ Why was it necessary to join the Government?
For me, politics is a means of service. Through politics, I serve my people. Leadership is not about power or position; it is about responsibility, sincerity and dignity in action. That is why I chose to join the Government. Negotiations and solutions cannot bypass the State Government. The Centre alone cannot resolve this crisis. That is why being part of the Government was essential, even though I am currently unable to attend the Assembly physically.
Q/ Given the tensions, how do you assess your personal safety?
I have been provided with adequate security, but I do not rely solely on human protection. As long as I remain honest, I believe God will protect me. I am ready to sacrifice for my people, if required.
Q/ Do you see a future where you can attend the State Assembly freely?
If there is an amicable solution, movement and interaction will become possible again. Trust must be rebuilt gradually. That is why achieving a sustainable solution is my foremost priority.
Q/ How would you describe your working relationship with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh?
He is a sincere and pure-hearted leader. Of 40 MLAs, he was the only one who personally rescued my people during the ethnic clashes. He went himself, ensured their safety and also protected me. He harbours no ill feelings towards one community. That trust is important.
Q/ You have worked very closely with displaced families. What did you witness on ground?
I did not merely visit relief camps. I personally brought many displaced families back to my district from camps. They arrived after fleeing violence, often with nothing except the clothes they were wearing. These were survivors who had lost everything—their homes, belongings and stability. I arranged food, rice and basic necessities. Many had no clothes or blankets, so I bought them from my own pocket and distributed them. While the Government did provide basic ration, the needs went far beyond that. When I visited the camps, women and children told me, “Mother, please give us at least non-veg food.” Those words reflected not just hunger, but exhaustion and despair.
Q/ How did you address these concerns at the administrative level?
I immediately arranged meetings with the Deputy Commissioner, who has been extremely sensitive to the needs of internally displaced persons. Following these discussions, food arrangements improved and supplies became more regular. Whenever gaps remained, I intervened personally. At the same time, I continuously raised these issues with higher authorities to ensure systemic support. When the Governor visited the camps, we distributed essential items together. We tried to ensure adequate arrangements for proper food and safe drinking water for displaced families.
Q/ You also reached out to neighbouring States and Delhi. What was the response?
I raised these concerns with the Union Home Minister and also travelled to Nagaland to meet the Chief Minister. He extended support by sending medical supplies and other essentials for displaced families. As assured by the Home Minister during his visit to Kangpokpi, funds for setting up pre-fabricated houses for the internally displaced persons were sanctioned. This assistance was distributed free of cost to displaced persons. The challenge has been to ensure the relief reached the intended beneficiaries. I personally monitored the process to prevent exploitation or diversion. Recently, the Deputy Commissioner informed me that many displaced families are now beginning to return to their original locations. Necessary sanctions have already been approved, and assessments of damaged sites are underway.
Q/ Your appointment is being seen as a milestone for women in the North East.
Representation matters, especially in times of crisis. Women often work quietly, managing families and communities under extreme stress. Having women in leadership ensures that these realities are understood at the policy level.... I believe in constructive action, not destructive politics. If required, I am ready to do anything for my people. I am prepared to make any sacrifice.
Q/ Looking ahead, are you confident about peace and the political future ?
My people understand my intentions and support me. As long as I continue to serve sincerely and honestly, they will stand with me. If God wills, peace and solutions will come.  The Week