In a first since ethnic clashes, Manipur CM visits Jiribam, meets Kuki-Zo and Hmar leaders

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand on February 11 visited Jiribam as part of a peace-building initiative and held meetings with leaders of the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities.

In what is being seen as a significant outreach, Khemchand became the first Chief Minister to visit Jiribam since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in the state. The visit was aimed at restoring peace and normalcy, which he described as the top priority of the government.

During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with community leaders and residents from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo–Hmar communities. Emphasising reconciliation, he said that “first and foremost, we are all human and we are all Indians,” urging people to move forward with a spirit of “forgive and forget.”

Khemchand visited Kalinagar, where he met internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities. He also interacted with Meitei IDPs staying at Jiribam Higher Secondary School.

The Chief Minister further visited Jairalpokpi, a Kuki-Zo–Hmar village that witnessed widespread violence and arson during the ethnic unrest in 2023. The visit forms part of the government’s broader effort to foster dialogue and rebuild trust among affected communities.