In a powerful display of ethnic harmony amid ongoing tensions, 24 young participants from Manipur’s diverse communities—namely Meitei, Kuki, Naga, and Meitei Pangal (Muslim)—flagged off an inspiring 11-day National Integration Tour on Tuesday. The journey, organized by the 33rd Battalion of Assam Rifles, will traverse Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, covering key cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Mumbai, and Kolkata from March 3 to 13.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who personally inaugurated the tour at the Assam Rifles complex in Keithelmanbi, expressed delight at this initiative. ‘These youth from different communities represent a united Manipur,’ he said, waving the green flag to send them off. Each community contributed six participants, underscoring the tour’s commitment to inclusivity.
The CM highlighted the Assam Rifles’ crucial role during recent ethnic clashes, noting how over 47,000 people, including Meitei and Kuki members, were safely evacuated to secure locations. He praised the force’s swift and dedicated efforts in crisis management.
Addressing the gathering, Singh urged elders to prioritize the future of the youth over past differences. ‘We must forget the past and march forward together towards peace and development,’ he emphasized. A special interaction session allowed him to connect personally with the participants, even conversing in Kuki dialect—asking ‘Bu nanehat ham?’ (Have you eaten?) and receiving the reply ‘Ka ne tai’ (We have eaten).
In a symbolic gesture, groups were formed with one member from each community, handed a unity flag as a emblem of shared identity. Kits were also distributed to ensure a smooth journey. The CM assured full government support, encouraging the youth to make the most of this opportunity for meaningful experiences and national integration.
This tour comes at a critical time for Manipur, where ethnic strife has tested social fabric. By fostering inter-community bonds through shared travel and cultural exposure, it aims to rebuild trust and promote lasting unity across India’s diverse landscape.