Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visits Ukhrul to rebuild trust between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, urging dialogue, peace, and development while addressing violence impact, infrastructure issues, and future stability for children.
A renewed push for peace and reconciliation unfolded in Manipur’s hill districts as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh undertook a trust-building mission in Ukhrul district, reaching out to communities affected by recent ethnic tensions. His visit, marked by emotional interactions and assurances of development, underscored the urgency of dialogue in restoring harmony between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga groups.
During his visit to Thawai Kuki Village, Singh was visibly moved when a local woman broke down while recounting the hardships faced by her community. Responding with empathy, the Chief Minister acknowledged the shared pain of the people and stressed that peaceful dialogue remains the only viable path forward. He highlighted that while every community may have its challenges, the aspirations of ordinary citizens—especially children—are rooted in peace and stability.
The appeal comes in the backdrop of violent clashes earlier this year at Litan Sareikhong, where tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities escalated over territorial disputes. The unrest led to the burning of more than 30 homes, leaving families displaced and deepening mistrust among communities. Singh warned that prolonged violence could leave irreversible scars on future generations, urging elders and community leaders to guide society toward reconciliation.
Extending his outreach, Singh also visited Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he received a warm reception. Addressing villagers, he invoked historical lessons, noting that even devastating global conflicts like World War II ultimately ended through sustained dialogue. He questioned why communities today could not embrace similar efforts toward peace and coexistence.
Beyond appeals for harmony, the Chief Minister focused on immediate development concerns raised by villagers across multiple stops, including Shangkai, Shokvao, and Ramva along the Imphal-Ukhrul road. Issues such as lack of potable water, poor road connectivity, and stalled infrastructure projects were brought to his attention. Singh assured residents that these concerns would be addressed on priority, with specific commitments to improve drinking water supply and accelerate road upgrades.
He also emphasized the importance of education, assuring villagers that steps would be taken to resume normal school operations disrupted by the unrest. Infrastructure development featured prominently in his discussions, with plans for bridge construction and connectivity improvements being reviewed. Officials were directed to expedite assessments and ensure timely execution of projects within the current year.
The visit also included a review of the ongoing Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessami road project, where officials briefed the Chief Minister on logistical and operational challenges. Singh assured that these issues would be taken up with senior authorities to ensure smoother progress.
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At the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister was accorded a grand स्वागत by local administration, civil society organisations, and residents. Accompanied by senior ministers and officials, he later inspected preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival, highlighting the importance of cultural unity in fostering peace.
Reiterating his message, Singh called upon all communities to rise above past grievances and work collectively toward a peaceful future, keeping the well-being of children at the forefront. He stressed that meaningful dialogue must begin when minds are calm, paving the way for lasting reconciliation and inclusive development across Manipur.
