Chungreng Koren, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter hailing from Manipur, has issued a heartfelt plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to visit his strife-torn home state, where violent clashes erupted in May of the previous year.
Expressing his sentiments after a match at the Matrix fight night, adorned with a championship belt on one arm, Chungreng Koren conveyed, "I humbly beseech PM Modi to consider visiting Manipur. The prevailing violence has persisted for nearly a year, resulting in daily casualties. Moreover, numerous individuals find themselves displaced and residing in relief camps, grappling with inadequate provisions of sustenance and water. The educational pursuits of children have been disrupted, sparking concerns about the future. I implore Modi ji to undertake a visit to Manipur, thereby endeavoring to restore tranquility to the state."
Koren's emotional breakdown towards the conclusion of his appeal has garnered widespread attention, with the video of his message to PM Modi circulating widely across social media platforms.
In a telephonic interaction, Chungreng Koren expressed his desire to extend further appeals on behalf of Manipur; however, he found himself overcome with emotion during the delivery of his speech.
The MMA fighter from Manipur recently clinched the title of the new Interim MFN Bantamweight champion at MFN 14.
Since May of the preceding year, ethnic violence in the state has resulted in the loss of at least 219 lives. The eruption of violence on May 3 followed a 'Tribal Solidarity March,' organized in the hill districts, in protest against the Meitei community's plea for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
