Khemchand calls for reconciliation, peace
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 11 2026:
Highlighting the need for confidence building measures between Meitei and Kuki communities, BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand has called for reconciliation and peace between the two communities.
A reception function was held today at Chingamakha Ibudhou Luwangpokpa ground in honour of Khemchand on winning 5th dan in traditional taekwondo.
Khemchand was awarded 5th dan in traditional taekwondo in South Korea recently.
Speaking at the function, the BJP MLA called upon both the Kuki and Meitei communities to build mutual trust and work collectively to restore peace in Manipur.
Khemchand said that he was targeted when he talked of peace at the height of the violent conflict.
He said that he was booed with a strong voice of disapproval when he stated at a Nupi Lan function that not all Kukis were bad.
At present, Meiteis don't feel safe to travel through Kangpokpi.
This is because of the trust deficit between Meitei and Kuki communities.
If there is no mutual trust between the Kukis and Meiteis, Meiteis will not feel safe to travel through Kangpokpi and Kukis will feel insecure to come to Imphal, Khemchand said.
He appealed to both the communities to build mutual trust and work collectively to bring peace in Manipur.
He stated that all the 36 communities living together in Manipur must take the responsibility of protecting the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary.
Khemchand said that he started learning taekwondo in 1978 at the age of 16 .
He said that he went to South Korea in 1990 and completed a three-month graduation course on taekwondo.
The BJP MLA claimed that very little money was spent during elections in Singjamei AC and it is something which other Assembly segments can emulate.
Social worker RK Shivchandra said that Yumnam Khemchand was highly respected in Assam and he is known as a grand master.
Shivchandra said that Khemchand joined electoral politics with a commitment to save Manipur.
He also hailed Khemchand's efforts to bring peace in the State including his visits to hill areas.
North East Taekwondo Federation, Nagaland president Pele who was a contemporary taekwondo player of Khemchand remarked that Khemchand winning 5th dan in traditional taekwondo is a matter of pride for the North East region and the entire country.
Assam Taekwondo Association former general secretary and Assam Olympic Association vice-president Rajkakati who was a taekwondo student of Khemchand said that Y Khemchand was one of the earliest teachers of traditional taekwondo in India.
Four taekwondo students of Khemchand went on to become Cabinet Ministers in the AGP Government in 1985 and there are many officers of Assam Police who were taekwondo students of Khemchand, Rajkakati said.
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