Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Feb 11: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday appealed for unity and reconciliation during his visit to violence-affected Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jiribam district, urging communities to move beyond the turmoil of the past two years and work collectively towards peace and progress.

In his first visit to the mixed-population district bordering Assam, Singh described the recent unrest as a “nightmare” and called upon residents to look ahead with courage. “Let us treat the last two years as a bad dream and move forward together towards peace and development,” he said.

The Chief Minister began his visit at the relief camp set up at Jiribam Higher Secondary School, which houses Meitei IDPs. Interacting with inmates, he emphasised the need to bridge the trust deficit between communities. Highlighting Jiribam’s strategic importance as the gateway to Manipur, Singh said the district has the potential to evolve into a commercial hub. “Just as Mumbai is India’s business capital, Jiribam can become Manipur’s Mumbai. But development and business require lasting peace,” he noted.

He later visited the Kalinagar relief camp, home to Hmar tribal IDPs from the Kuki-Zo community, where he reiterated his call for reconciliation. Referring to Christian teachings, he spoke about forgiveness and compassion as guiding principles for rebuilding harmony. Singh also visited Jarolpokpi Hmar village, which witnessed violence in 2023.

This visit marked his second outreach to Kuki-Zo areas since December 8 last year, when he had visited a Kuki village in Ukhrul district and met displaced families there.

Emphasising unity, Singh said efforts must be made to restore the shared identity of the people of Manipur. “First, we are Indians, and then we are Manipuris — whether Naga, Kuki, or Meitei. We must rebuild this collective spirit,” he stated.

During the visit, Hmar community members expressed support for the government and sought assistance for local needs, including the construction of a school building. In Mongbung Meitei village, residents requested repairs to a damaged road, to which the Chief Minister assured necessary action. He reiterated that interaction between communities is essential to rebuild trust.

Singh informed displaced families that housing projects for the homeless are underway and expected to be completed by March. At the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp, he also distributed a wheelchair to an elderly woman under the Palliative Care Scheme.

Speaking to reporters, the chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to restoring unity in Manipur and eliminating divisions based on caste or community. He said the resettlement of IDPs, initiated during President’s Rule, remains a priority for his government, though specific timelines are yet to be finalised.

On his arrival at the Bidyanagar Helipad, Singh was received by deputy commissioner Krishna Kumar, superintendent of police Prakhar Pandey, and other district and security officials.