1st time after Manipur violence, CM gets Kukis and Meiteis on 1 platform
Times of India
by DONALD SAIREMFebruary 19, 2026
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In a significant step toward healing after months of ethnic violence, Manipur’s Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh brought Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities together on a shared platform for the first time since clashes erupted in May 2023. The virtual meeting, held at an Imphal relief camp, connected displaced families from both communities through video links, allowing them to voice their struggles and receive financial assistance directly. Each family received Rs 2,420 for essentials, while those whose homes were destroyed were promised Rs 1 lakh in installments. This move aimed to rebuild trust and address the displacement caused by the violence, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people.
The ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities has led to severe disruptions in daily life, with residents from both groups avoiding each other’s regions. The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges in resettling IDPs, particularly in sensitive areas, but emphasized that returning displaced families to their original homes remains a priority. He also highlighted the importance of social cohesion and urged community leaders to bridge the mistrust that persists despite easing tensions.
During the meeting, voices from both communities expressed their struggles—requests for better access to jobs, education, and healthcare were raised, along with emotional appeals for safety and the ability to return home. The Chief Minister responded by promising enhanced security for Kuki-Zo patients traveling to Imphal for medical care and special plans to support over 6,000 displaced students whose schooling has been disrupted. His commitment to ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon reflects a broader effort to address the long-term impacts of the violence.
This initiative marks a modest but crucial step toward reconciliation in Manipur. By bringing together two fractured communities and addressing their needs directly, the Chief Minister is signaling a shift toward healing and reconstruction. While mistrust remains a significant barrier, these efforts offer hope for lasting peace and stability in a region still reeling from conflict. For readers interested in global ethnic reconciliation efforts and post-conflict recovery, Manipur’s story offers valuable insights into
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026