The new Manipur government is navigating unique challenges in bringing back normalcy to the strife-torn state. The chief minister and two deputy chief ministers met for the first time in New Delhi, an event made impossible in state capital Imphal due to ethnic divisions.
Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki-Zo, has still not managed to establish an office in Imphal and is attending official meetings from the deputy commissioner's office and her house in the hill district of Kangpokpi.
CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Meitei, has also yet to visit the hills, dominated by the Kuki-Zos. However, he met Kuki-Zo victims of ethnic clashes virtually, marking a positive start.
Deputy CM Losii Dikho, a Naga, is the only one to have visited both Imphal and Churachandpur, as the Naga community has long been considered neutral in the ethnic clashes.
The next two weeks are crucial for the state, with the Manipur assembly session starting on Monday. If deputy CM Kipgen attends the session physically, it may pave the way for CM Singh to visit the hill districts.
