'Every life matters in Manipur': Congress leader Keisham Meghachandra condemns Liangmai youth's killing

Manipur MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh on Monday, September 21 condemned the killing of a young Liangmai Naga youth and alleged that the state government had failed to take adequate steps to prevent recurring incidents of violence in the state.

The remarks came amid renewed tensions in Manipur following the killing of a 17-year-old Liangmai Naga youth in Tamenglong district. According to reports, the teenager was allegedly killed in an ambush while travelling between villages in the district.

Speaking in Delhi, Meghachandra said the latest killing was part of a continuing pattern of violence in Manipur and expressed concern over what he described as the government's lack of effective action.

"Incidents of killings have been happening now and then. The killing of a young Liangmai is part of the continued process in Manipur. I strongly condemn this," Meghachandra said.

He said the lives of people belonging to all communities in Manipur must be protected, stressing that "Naga lives matter, Kuki lives matter, Meitei lives matter. Every life matters in Manipur."

The Congress leader also alleged that political leaders and forces were extending support to armed groups and community-based leadership, a claim he made in the context of the continuing conflict.

"Under this government, every political power is supporting its own armed group. Every political power leader is supporting their own community leaders," he alleged.

Meghachandra called for political leaders to remain committed to non-violence and criticised the lack of initiatives aimed at facilitating dialogue between communities.

"All political leaders should be above violence. There is no initiative for dialogue within the communities. The government is a silent spectator to whatever happens," he said.

He further said that continued conflict among the Kuki, Naga and Meitei communities could not provide a sustainable path for Manipur's future.

"The violence of Kukis vs Nagas vs Meitei is not the future of Manipur," he said.