Manipur deputy CM visits Churachandpur, calls for reconciliation through sports

CHURACHANDPUR: Manipur deputy CM Losi Dikho became the first politician from the state to visit Churachandpur since ethnic violence erupted between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in May 2023, using a football tournament to press for peace and reconciliation, reports MK Henry.Dikho arrived by helicopter on Saturday to attend the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Zomi National Day Football Tournament, drawing cheers from packed stands. Calling for calm across Manipur, he said: "Meiteis in Imphal miss you all. Govt is keen to bring back peace, normalcy and development."Urging communities to learn from history, Dikho referenced the Kuki-Naga conflict. "We don't want such incidents to occur again," he said, invoking Christian values and adding that reconciliation must lead the way. Sports, he said, could help heal divides: "In sports, there is no religion, no caste, no boundary. Peace can return through sports if we really want it."