Churachandpur: After meeting different stakeholders across multiple locations since his swearing-in, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho on Saturday undertook another peace-building outreach by engaging with the Zomi community.
He became the first elected State Government member from outside the district to visit Churachandpur district headquarters following the outbreak of violence in May 2023, as he attended the 78th Zomi National Day Football Tournament held at Lamka Public Ground.
Prior to the match, Dikho held a 40-minute closed-door meeting with the Zomi Council and its constituent leaders. Zomi representatives raised concerns regarding the welfare of internally displaced persons (IDPs), developmental works, and other pressing issues. The Deputy Chief Minister assured them that all related matters would be discussed with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and addressed in due course to usher in peace and development in the district.
Deputy CM Dikho landed at the 36 Assam Rifles helipad before proceeding to Lamka Public Ground to attend the closing function of the football tournament organised by Lamka Event, where he was received with cheers from football fans who packed the venue. On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dharun, Brigadier S. Prashant, SP Gourav Dogra, Churachandpur SDO Anunay, along with Zomi Council dignitaries, witnessed the grand finale.
Addressing the gathering, Dikho stressed the urgent need for peace among all communities across Manipur to ensure all-round development, apparently referring to the ongoing inter-community crisis affecting the state. He remarked that communities in Imphal “miss you all,” and stated that the present popular government is keen to restore peace, normalcy, and development for everyone. He also conveyed greetings and good wishes from Chief Minister Khemchand, seeking public support to bring normalcy back to Manipur, and informed that the government is serious about addressing IDP issues and their welfare.
Emphasising reconciliation, Dikho said peace must return to the state, citing the teachings of Jesus Christ as part of shared Christian ethics. Stressing the importance of learning from past conflicts, he recalled experiences from the Kuki-Naga crisis, noting that “we had learnt many things in the past when the Kuki-Naga conflict occurred and cannot risk such cases again.”
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Highlighting the role of sports in peace-building, he said harmony can be restored through sports “if we really want it,” as sports transcend religion, caste, and boundaries. He further disclosed that the present government is committed to nurturing young sporting talent, noting that Churachandpur is endowed with many budding athletes. While the district has numerous playgrounds, he assured that further improvements would be taken up.
The 6th edition of the 78th Zomi National Day Football Tournament 2026 kicked off on January 14, with 25 teams competing for a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh along with the trophy. The final match was played between Ganggam Soccer and Zomi Football Club, with Ganggam Soccer emerging champions after a 2–1 victory.
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