Football brings Manipur dy CM to Churachandpur, first visit by a state politician since May 2023

Churachandpur: Manipur deputy CM Losi Dikho on Saturday became the first politician from the state to visit Churachandpur since ethnic violence broke out between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in May 2023.Dikho attended the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the 78th Zomi National Day Football Tournament, arriving by helicopter and receiving a warm welcome from football fans.Addressing the gathering, he called for peace across Manipur and said, “Meiteis in Imphal miss you all. The present govt is keen to bring back peace, normalcy and development for all,” he said. Urging communities to learn from past mistakes, he recalled the Kuki-Naga conflict and added, “We don’t want such incidents to occur again.”Invoking Christian values, Dikho said peace must return through reconciliation. He also highlighted sports as a way to bridge divides, saying, “In sport there is no religion, no caste, no boundary. Peace can return through sports if we really want it.”He said the govt would support young athletes in Churachandpur, describing the district as “endowed with so many budding players,” and promised improvements to local playgrounds, drawing applause.

On law and order, he said the situation was improving and expressed optimism about a peace agreement: “Why not? There is a chance.”Dikho’s presence at the tournament was seen as a symbolic outreach to a district at the centre of the ethnic crisis.In the final, Ganggam Soccer Club defeated Zomi Football Club 2-1. Match commissioner Seiminlun said the tournament was widely appreciated and noted that both finalists had previously played in the Manipur State League before violence disrupted football activities.