He consoled the villagers and told them that the return of peace should be the primary target of all communities. He said conflict exists in every part of the world, but it should not be allowed to hinder a region’s progress and development.

“There are conflicts among different countries and communities but we should learn to live in harmony despite differences. There should not be any hindrance in visiting each other’s villages,” Singh said.

“We should not allow this conflict affect the future of our children. We, the elders, may have differences, but we should think about our children's future,” he added.

State BJP vice president and Naga leader Hopingson Shimray, who accompanied Singh, said it was a remarkable gesture by the MLA to travel to Kuki villages when everyone today is reluctant to venture into another community’s area. He said Singh is the first BJP Meitei legislator to step into a Kuki relief camp.

The ethnic violence had left more than 260 people dead and an estimated 60,000 others internally displaced. A large majority of them are still lodged in relief camps.