Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday backed the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state and urged artistes to use their platforms to promote peace and harmony among different communities.
Khemchand Singh made the remarks while meeting several renowned artistes of Manipur at the Chief Minister’s Bungalow in Babupara, Imphal. The meeting was aimed at discussing ways to disseminate messages of peace and harmony through different forms of art.
Speaking to the artistes, Khemchand Singh said the crisis in the state, which began as a conflict between two communities, had now evolved into one involving three communities. He said the Meitei community must take on the role of a “big brother and big sister” and take initiatives to help bring an end to the crisis.
The Chief Minister recalled that during the crisis, when he was a Cabinet Minister, he had requested Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip to support efforts to save the lives of 120 Meitei labourers in Churachandpur district. He said Haokip had earnestly followed the request.
Khemchand Singh said it was therefore unethical to blame an entire community for the wrongdoing of a few individuals.
He maintained that restoring trust and goodwill among the different communities in the state would require bridging the barriers that had emerged during the crisis. He added that Jiribam district had returned to normalcy, with communities living peacefully without mistrust.
Khemchand Singh also stressed that the government supported the implementation of the NRC in Manipur and appreciated the artistes for raising the issue with the government.
Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, who organised the gathering, said the government was ready to support artistes and urged them to work towards strengthening unity among the people of the state.
Shougrakpam Hemanta, a stage-play artiste associated with Shumang Leela, said it was important to revive the age-old relationships that had existed among the different communities in Manipur. He suggested that a stage play titled ‘Ei Manipuri Ni’ (I am Manipuri) be produced.
Gokul Athokpam, a prominent actor, said artistes were ready to visit different areas along National Highway 2 to interact with different communities and urged the government to make proper security arrangements. He also called on the government to provide subsidised rates for stage plays and musical concerts to support artistes.
Singer Konthoujam Bobin said he took pride in being part of efforts to promote unity in the state. He added that artistes should remain united to strengthen bonds of love irrespective of their communities.
Guru Rewben Mashangva, a Tangkhul Naga folk artiste, said the vision of unity could be achieved if all artistes acknowledged, without differences, that they were collectively Manipuris.
Popular actress Chanam Lilabati said greater emphasis should be placed on social media to engage the younger generation in peacebuilding and promote love and understanding among different communities.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Art & Culture, Naorem Praveen Singh; Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Oinam Sunil Singh; and several artistes, among others.
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