Dikho calls for peace at Zomi Fest

CCPUR, Feb 20
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho graced the 78th Zomi-Nam-Ni 2026 celebration at EBC Gospel Centenary, New Lamka, Churachandpur today with a message of peace and reconciliation.
Held under the theme of “Enduring Power of Identity and Tradition”, greetings from Thadou Inpi, Manipur (TIM), ITAC, Thanlon AC MLA Vungzagin Valte and Churachandpur AC MLA LM Khaute were read out in the presence of Karong AC MLA J Kumo Sha, different tribe leaders and CSOs.
Zomi Council chairman, various tribe leaders and ZRO president also spoke on the occasion highlighted by cultural performances and mass prayers.
On behalf of the Chief Minister and himself, Losii Dikho extended greetings to the Zomi community and called it a memorable and historic moment to come together for the Zomi festival.
Speaking as the chief guest, he appreciated their beautiful tradition and culture and thanked the Zomi community for "their maturity to seek peace", while calling them a "peace loving community".
"Manipur has many things to learn from the Zomi community on respect, understanding and peace initiatives" he lauded.
Citing an incident when the Kuki-Naga conflict was at its peak, he recalled that Thadou people from Motbung came to Punanamei village, Mao as a Church choir where both the communities prayed together, cried, sang and forgave each other.
"Thadous showed us that peace is supreme. They would protect passengers who were travelling between Mao and Imphal or those whose vehicle broke down", he maintained.
During the present conflict, he reiterated that Thadous from Motbung had rescued two "valley boys".
"We all miss your presence and hope to see you soon in Imphal valley. Moreover, our new Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has the desire to visit you all," he said to the congregation.
Moving to the topic of developmental works, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that the State Government will fulfill the memorandum submitted during the Zomi National Day Football Tournament program with a CSR project, which is now in the pipeline for final approval.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand has conveyed that the demand for a multi-purpose hall has been approved with a budget of Rs 5 crore, which will be implemented soon, he further announced.
Regarding the issue of IDPs, Dikho warned that the State Government will not tolerate any form of discrimination in terms of their welfare schemes and assured that complaints will be addressed at the earliest.
He also interacted with the District Administration officials, media persons and Churachandpur Medical College students and faculty members.