During his visit, Hmar villagers expressed support for the government and urged the Chief Minister to address the needs of the tribal village
Digital Desk: Today, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jiribam district, which borders southern Assam, and called for peace, unity, and the removal of the trust deficit among communities.
The Chief Minister first visited the relief camp housing Meitei IDPs at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School campus, where he interacted with inmates. Addressing them, he urged all communities to work towards rebuilding trust. “Jiribam is the gateway to Manipur and has the potential to become a business hub. Just as Mumbai is India’s business capital, Jiribam can become Manipur’s Mumbai. But for business to flourish, peace must come first,” he said.
He later visited the Kalinagar relief camp, which houses Hmar tribal IDPs belonging to the Kuki-Zo community. Encouraging reconciliation, he said, “Let us treat the last two years as a nightmare, forget the past, and move forward with courage towards peace and development.” Noting that many of the Hmar IDPs are Christians, he added that Christianity teaches forgiveness and love for neighbours, including adversaries.
The Chief Minister also visited Jarolpokpi Hmar village, which witnessed violence in 2023. This marks his second visit to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas since December 8 last year, when he visited a Kuki hamlet in Litan Saraikhong in Ukhrul district and interacted with displaced families.
During his visit, Hmar villagers expressed support for the government and urged the Chief Minister to address the needs of the tribal village, particularly the construction of a school building. He then visited Mongbung Meitei village, where residents requested repairs to the existing village road. Assuring them of development, Singh emphasized the need for dialogue between communities to bridge the trust deficit.
“Since taking oath as Chief Minister last week, this is my first visit outside Imphal. I believe Jiribam is one of the most important places in Manipur and can emerge as a major business centre. For that to happen, peace is essential,” he said.
The Chief Minister assured IDPs that their concerns are being addressed by the district administration. He stated that houses are being constructed for homeless displaced families and are expected to be completed by March. During his interaction at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp, he also presented a wheelchair to an elderly woman under the Palliative Care Scheme.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the visit, Singh reiterated his commitment to a united Manipur, free from divisions along caste and community lines. On the issue of IDP resettlement, he noted that efforts had already begun during the period of President’s Rule in the state.
While stating that it is too early in his tenure to announce specific timelines, he affirmed that his government is dedicated to addressing the challenges and restoring normalcy.
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