Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday visited several villages in Ukhrul district, appealing for dialogue and peace as part of a trust-building mission aimed at bridging the gap between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities.
Addressing villagers during the visit, the Chief Minister said that every community has both good and bad elements, but every common citizen and innocent child longs for peace and a peaceful life.
At Thawai Kuki Village, CM Khemchand had an emotional exchange with a woman who broke down in tears. “I am a human being. My heart was truly touched. I also felt the same pain and anguish,” he said. “Therefore, there is no other option left other than dialogue for the restoration of peace,” he added.
He expressed concern that continued violence would gravely affect generations of children. Despite the prevailing sorrow and regret, he urged elders to think of future generations and exercise restraint. “We should think of the future generations and for this, elders like us should control our minds,” he said.
The Chief Minister assured villagers that resumption of normal classes in schools would be looked into. In the presence of the local MLA, he also stated that construction of the bridge is already included in the work programme. He further assured that provision of drinking water would be taken up on priority with a solution worked out immediately after his return to Imphal.
During his maiden visit to Ukhrul, Shri Khemchand also stopped at Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he received a warm welcome from the village chief, elders, women, and residents. Interacting with the village chief, he recalled that even World War II ended through continuous dialogue despite the atomic bombings. “Why should we not live in harmony this time through dialogue by forgetting the past nightmares?” he asked. He added that the local MLA should initiate dialogue as the villagers are his people.
Calling for calm, the Chief Minister said dialogue must begin when “everybody’s mind is calm and cool.” He reiterated his apprehension about the uncertain future of children if violence continues.
On the demand for a bridge at Sharkaphung village to improve connectivity, he directed the Chief Engineer, PWD, to examine the matter and assured that construction would be taken up this year through various sources.
Earlier, en route to the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister made stops at Shangkai, Shokvao, and Ramva villages along the Imphal-Ukhrul road.
At Shangkai village, women raised concerns about the lack of potable water. The Chief Minister assured them the issue would be taken up on priority. In Shokvao village, residents presented him with a traditional shawl and discussed development works undertaken by the government. At Ramva village, elders, women, and schoolchildren accorded him a warm welcome and urged him to upgrade local roads. He assured them of inclusive development across the state.
On the way to Ukhrul, Shri Khemchand was briefed by Shri MS Deol, Executive Director, NHIDCL, and his team on the progress of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami road project and the challenges on the ground. The CM assured that these issues would be resolved after discussions with the Chief Secretary and other officials.
At the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister received a rousing reception from the District Administration, people of Ukhrul, Civil Society Organizations, and village authorities at the Mini Secretariat. He, along with Deputy Chief Minister Shri Losii Dilkho, Tourism Minister Shri Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, and Chief Secretary Dr. P.K. Goel, later inspected preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 at Shirui Village.
