Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jiribam district on Wednesday, calling for peace and unity. He interacted with Meitei and Hmar tribal IDPs at relief camps in Jiribam, emphasizing the need to remove trust deficits and work towards development.
“Jiribam is the gateway to Manipur and has the potential to become a business hub,” he said, adding that peace is essential for growth. The Chief Minister visited the Jiribam Higher Secondary School campus, where Meitei IDPs are sheltered, and later met with Hmar tribal IDPs at Kalinagar relief camp.
He urged everyone to forget the past and move forward, citing Christianity’s teachings on forgiveness and love. “Let us consider the last two years a nightmare and have the courage to move forward towards peace and development,” he said.
The Chief Minister also visited Jarolpokpi Hmar village, which experienced violence in 2023, and Mongbung Meitei village, where he interacted with locals. He assured IDPs that their concerns are being addressed and houses are being constructed for the homeless.
Yumnam Khemchand laid the Foundation Stone of IRB Barracks at the 87-Bn CRPF HQ, reiterating his commitment to a unified Manipur. “I feel someone is trying to destroy the concept of Manipuri. We can be Manipuri Naga, Manipuri Kuki, and Manipuri Meitei – united as one,” he said.
