Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on October 19 announced that she will soon travel to Imphal to discharge her official duties, declaring she would do so “purely in the interest of peace.” The announcement comes more than three years after ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023, and underscores her stated commitment to restoring normalcy and fostering harmonious coexistence among all communities.
Kipgen made the announcement while addressing the closing ceremony of the third Inter-Kalapahar Sports Meet, 2026, held at the Upper Kalapahar Football Ground in Kangpokpi district.
“I have also decided to go to Imphal soon and discharge my duties and responsibilities purely in the interest of peace,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
With Manipur still grappling with the consequences of the prolonged conflict, Kipgen issued an impassioned appeal to all communities to rise above divisions and work collectively to heal the state. “Since Manipur is facing lots of problems, it is my sincere appeal to everyone to initiate all efforts to bring back normalcy and peace in the state,” she said, adding, “Let us be peacemakers, for without peace there can be no development in the state and among communities.”
Emphasising that development and progress would remain elusive without peaceful coexistence, Kipgen said communities must learn to live together with love, unity and mutual understanding to pave the way for a better future. She described the present juncture as crucial for all sections of society to unite in overcoming the crisis and rebuilding trust. “I appeal to all communities, taking this opportunity as a platform, to put in all-out efforts towards healing our state and restoring peace and normalcy,” she said.
Her outreach to the Gorkha community followed a similar message of peace, love and unity that she delivered to the Naga community within her Assembly constituency, reflecting her broader effort to engage different communities in the pursuit of reconciliation. Acknowledging the Gorkha community’s contribution towards restoring peace and normalcy, she urged its members to continue playing a constructive role in promoting harmony and strengthening bonds among communities.
Kipgen also highlighted the importance of sports in building a healthy and peaceful society, noting that sporting activities can bring people together across ethnic, cultural and social boundaries. The Inter-Kalapahar Sports Meet was organised as part of the Durga Puja celebrations under the aegis of the Kalapahar Gorkha Youth Association.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the Kalapahar Gorkha Youth Association that she would look into its demands for the construction of a community hall and the expansion of the football ground.
Kipgen was accompanied on the dais by former MDC Milan Pradhan and other Gorkha community leaders. Cultural dances and football matches featuring both veteran and youth players were among the major highlights of the closing ceremony.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/will-go-to-imphal-soon-purely-in-interest-of-peace-manipur-dy-cm-nemcha-kipgen-1464854-2026-10-19?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-10-19 18:12:00
