Zomi National Day celebrated in Manipur; Dikho highlights IDP rehab push

Churachandpur: The 78th edition of Zomi National Day was celebrated at the Centenary Hall of the Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC) here on Friday, drawing community leaders, officials and cultural troupes.

Manipur deputy chief minister Losi Dikho attended as chief guest, accompanied by Karong MLA K Kumo Sha, ADC members of Senapati, deputy commissioner Dharun Kumar S, and representatives from the 27 Sector Assam Rifles.


The programme included cultural exchanges, special dance performances, choirs from different communities, choreography, mass prayers and a one-minute silence in honour of departed leaders. Addresses were delivered by the Zomi Council chairman, the president of ZRO and the chief guest, focusing on community aspirations and resilience.

In his address, Dikho said, “People from Imphal miss and love the Zomi community. We are considering your demand point to point with the chief minister,” and announced that the turf ground funded under ONGC has been granted, with construction works set to begin soon. He said other demands raised by the Zomi Council would also be taken up, as the govt prioritizes restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

Speaking to the media later, Dikho said the govt was working to hasten the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as part of the peace process.