Kangpokpi Civil Bodies Press Manipur Dy CM Nemcha Kipgen to Regularly Attend Official Duties in Imphal

In a significant development amid efforts to restore normalcy in conflict-hit Manipur, Kuki-Zo civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kangpokpi district have urged Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen to proceed to Imphal and regularly discharge her official responsibilities, asserting that her active participation in the state government is essential to safeguarding public interests and advancing peace, security and development.

In a joint press statement on Friday following a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister at Kangpokpi, the Kuki-Zo civil society organisations acknowledged her efforts towards the relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), while emphasising the need for her to fulfil her ministerial obligations from Imphal.

The statement, signed by leaders of the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association (SAHILCA), Thadou Inpi-Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union-Sadar Hills and Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai, struck a measured but firm note, urging the Deputy Chief Minister to balance her responsibilities in the state government with the pressing concerns of the conflict-affected population.

The organisations said they had taken note of Kipgen's submissions regarding her office's initiatives on IDP relief and rehabilitation, public safety and security, and efforts to promote peace and harmony in Kangpokpi district and Manipur as a whole.

However, considering the responsibilities entrusted to her as Deputy Chief Minister, the organisations maintained that her presence in Imphal was necessary for the effective discharge of her official duties.

"We therefore urge Smt. Nemcha Kipgen to proceed to Imphal and regularly attend to her official responsibilities," the statement said, adding that doing so would enable her to perform her ministerial functions more effectively and pursue matters concerning the welfare and interests of our people and the state.

The CSOs called upon Kipgen to take the necessary steps to fulfil her official obligations at Imphal while continuing to work towards the safety, security, relief, rehabilitation and welfare of the affected population.

They stressed that her effective participation in the functioning of the state government was essential to advancing these objectives.

The organisations also assured the Deputy Chief Minister of their full support and cooperation in discharging her responsibilities, stating that their position was guided by the larger interests of the people and the need for effective governance, constructive engagement, peace, security and development.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of the continuing ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has displaced thousands of people and left communities grappling with security concerns, rehabilitation challenges and uncertainty over their future.

The CSOs expressed hope that their appeal would be received in the spirit in which it was made, describing it as a considered position reflecting the importance of Kipgen's ministerial responsibilities and the larger public interest.