Imphal: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has appealed for peace and better relations between the Kuki and Naga communities during a visit to nine Naga-dominated villages in her Kangpokpi assembly constituency.
The outreach aimed to ease Kuki-Naga tensions, which have reportedly claimed around 70 lives since violence broke out in February 2026.
Speaking at the concluding programme of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026 on October 17, Kipgen said hatred and violence could not lead to a better future. The programme marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public service.
The event was held at Yaikongpao village and included the distribution of welfare assistance. Kipgen handed out water storage tanks and housing materials, including galvanised iron sheets.
Officials also held awareness camps on women’s entrepreneurship, the Lakhpati Didi initiative and the Manipur Women Empowerment Scheme.
Addressing people from both communities, Kipgen referred to her Christian faith while speaking about the importance of peace.
She questioned the purpose of killing members of one another’s communities and said those who promoted bloodshed could not expect to enter the Kingdom of God.
She urged people to move beyond divisions and said they would have to answer for their actions on the Day of Judgment if they disregarded the teachings of love and forgiveness.
Kipgen also praised Kangpokpi residents for maintaining peaceful relations and continuing joint commercial activities at the district headquarters despite disruptions and blockades in other parts of Manipur.
She urged the constituency to set an example of tolerance for other districts, saying peace should be reflected in people’s daily conduct rather than remain a slogan.