Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on June 25 appealed to the Meitei community to play the role of a "big brother" in helping resolve the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Naga communities, stressing that lasting peace is essential for the state's development.

The Chief Minister made the appeal while addressing a programme organised by the BJP Manipur Unit at the party headquarters to mark Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, commemorating the imposition of the Emergency in 1975. The event was held under the banner of the "51st year of the dark chapter of the Emergency imposed by Congress."

Speaking as the chief guest, Khemchand referred to the tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities and said the conflict had emerged at a time when normalcy was gradually returning to several parts of the state.

He noted that peace had largely been restored in the valley districts over the past few months. Highlighting the situation in Jiribam district, the Chief Minister said members of various communities, including Hmar, Paite, Meitei, Kuki and Naga, had begun living together peacefully again. He added that many internally displaced persons had returned to their native villages and resumed their normal lives.

Emphasising the importance of peace for economic growth and development, Khemchand said the restoration of a popular government after the period of President's Rule had enabled the administration to focus on completing pending development projects across the state.

"Development cannot move forward without peace and normalcy," he said.

Describing the ongoing Kuki-Naga conflict as unfortunate, the Chief Minister said the Meitei community had a crucial role to play in promoting reconciliation and understanding between the two groups.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of Jiribam and said the district has the potential to emerge as a major commercial hub of Manipur. Khemchand announced that a major project would soon be launched in Jiribam under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although details of the project would be disclosed at a later stage.

Recalling the Emergency imposed in 1975, the Chief Minister criticised the then Congress government, alleging that the period was marked by authoritarian rule. He said the emergence and growth of the BJP were driven by public opposition to such politics and reaffirmed that in a democratic system, the people remain supreme.

As part of the programme, individuals who were arrested during the Emergency for opposing the government were honoured for their contributions to the democratic movement.

Several BJP ministers, MLAs and party workers attended the event.