A delegation of Zomi organisations from Churachandpur met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in Imphal, backing peace efforts and seeking development projects, including a Multi-Utility Hall.
Imphal, July 31: In a development that the Manipur government described as a sign of improving normalcy, leaders of three prominent Zomi organisations from Churachandpur travelled to Imphal on Friday to meet Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, expressing support for the government's peace initiatives and discussing development priorities for their district.
The 14-member delegation, comprising representatives of the Unified Zou Organisation (UZO), Zomi Chief Association (ZCA) and the Zomi Council (ZC), called on the Chief Minister at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Babupara. MLA Tongbram Robindro was also present during the meeting.
According to an official statement, the delegation apprised the Chief Minister of issues concerning Churachandpur district and reaffirmed its support for the government's efforts to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the state. The representatives also discussed measures to strengthen trust and understanding among different communities.
One of the key demands placed before the Chief Minister was a proposal for the construction of a Multi-Utility Hall in Churachandpur.
Met a delegation of the Zomi Council and Zomi Chiefs, led by Chairman Shri Vumsuan Naulak, who called on me as a mark of thanksgiving.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) July 31, 2026
We had a meaningful discussion on the developmental aspirations and priorities of the Zomi areas. Reaffirmed our Government’s unwavering… pic.twitter.com/ruPBc1Vrk7
First joint visit from Churachandpur since ethnic violence
The meeting carried symbolic significance as it marked the first time representatives of the Unified Zou Organisation, Zomi Chief Association and Zomi Council travelled together from Churachandpur to Imphal to meet the Chief Minister since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
The government described the visit as reflecting an improving law and order situation and the gradual restoration of free movement between communities.
Speaking after the meeting, social worker Joseph Valte, son of late MLA Vungzagin Valte, said the delegation looked forward to the return of peace and prosperity in Manipur.
Delegation stresses confidence-building
Zomi Council Chairman Vumsuan Naulak said the delegation had travelled to Imphal to brief the Chief Minister on developments in Churachandpur and to promote mutual confidence among communities.
He described the meeting as cordial and constructive and thanked the state government for reaching out to different communities and creating opportunities for dialogue and development.
Naulak expressed hope that peace would soon return to Manipur, enabling people from all communities to move freely, interact without fear and work together for the state's overall progress.
Mary Jones, Secretary (Information and Publicity) of the Zomi Council, said the visit held emotional significance as it was the first time in nearly three years that members of the delegation had travelled to Imphal.
She described the visit as an encouraging indication that normalcy was gradually returning to the state.
Chief Minister reiterates commitment to inclusive development
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh assured the delegation that the government remains committed to promoting peace, strengthening communal harmony and creating conditions for the restoration of normal life across Manipur.
He reiterated that the government would continue engaging with all stakeholders to achieve what he described as a peaceful, inclusive and lasting resolution to the state's ongoing challenges.
Later, in a post on X, the Chief Minister said he had met a delegation of the Zomi Council and Zomi Chiefs, led by Chairman Vumsuan Naulak, who had called on him as a mark of thanksgiving.
"We had a meaningful discussion on the developmental aspirations and priorities of the Zomi areas," the Chief Minister wrote, adding that the government remained committed to "inclusive, equitable and people-centric development for the welfare and progress of every community in Manipur."
The delegation also included P. Guite, Vice-President of the Zomi Chief Association, Liankhankhup Zou of the Unified Zou Organisation, along with other representatives of the three organisations.
The meeting comes amid the Manipur government's continued efforts to rebuild public confidence, encourage dialogue among communities and restore normal movement across the state following more than three years of ethnic tensions.
