Paite-Zomi man meets Meitei mother-in-law after three years of ethnic conflict in Manipur

At a time when questions continue to be raised about the restoration of free movement between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities in Manipur, a small but significant gesture of reconciliation was witnessed in the State capital.

After nearly three years of separation due to the ongoing ethnic crisis, Anthony Naulak, a Paite-Zomi man from Churachandpur district, visited his Meitei mother-in-law in Imphal on February 21. The visit came as Naulak travelled to the city to raise issues concerning internally displaced persons (IDPs) with the Manipur government.

Upon arriving in Imphal from Delhi, Naulak went to Singjamei Chingamakha, his wife’s residence, to seek blessings from his mother-in-law. Naulak is married to Okram Jaya, who belongs to the Meitei community. Before the outbreak of violence in 2023, the couple lived in Churachandpur but later moved to Delhi due to safety concerns.

Speaking to the media, Naulak said he was happy to return to Imphal and reunite with his in-laws, relatives and friends after almost three years. He added that since the onset of the crisis, he has been working for the welfare of internally displaced persons by meeting officials, including the Chief Secretary and district authorities, and filing public interest litigations in higher courts.

“The main purpose of my visit is to raise the pressing issues of internally displaced persons,” he said, while admitting that he had some apprehension about travelling to Imphal. However, he expressed trust in the people of the city and stated that members of his own community understood the purpose of his visit.

He said IDPs continue to face severe hardships and emphasised that addressing their concerns should be a priority. “Once their problems are resolved, peace will surely return,” he added.

His mother-in-law, Okram Rohini, expressed joy at seeing her son-in-law after nearly three years. She said the crisis had separated many families like theirs and hoped for an early restoration of peace and normalcy.

“Though my son-in-law belongs to another community, I consider him my own son. This crisis has kept us apart for a long time, which is painful,” she said.