Manipur Chief Minister Appeals Against Strikes, Calls for Community Trust Restoration

Imphal, May 23: Manipur’s Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, urged citizens on Friday to refrain from strikes, blockades, or protests, even in times of government dissatisfaction. He emphasized that such actions severely impact daily wage workers and economically vulnerable groups.

Speaking at an event inaugurating three bridges in the Lamshang assembly constituency of Imphal West district, the Chief Minister called on all relevant groups and individuals to resolve differences through dialogue and discussion.

He stated that it is his responsibility to rebuild trust among the various communities residing in the state and to ensure peaceful coexistence following long-standing ethnic unrest.

One of his primary goals is to create an environment where people from different communities can travel freely and safely in each other’s areas without fear or insecurity.

While addressing the audience in Akham village, Singh referenced his recent visits to the Jiribam district. He noted that he had visited the area twice—first by helicopter and later by road. During these visits, members from various communities, including the Hmar, Kuki, Paite, and Meitei, agreed to work collectively towards restoring peace and normalcy.

The Chief Minister remarked that these communities are now living in harmony, with many displaced families gradually returning to their villages.

He highlighted that several Hmar and Kuki villages are adjacent to Meitei villages, underscoring the need for mutual understanding and coexistence among all communities.

Addressing the challenges facing the state, he recalled a tragic incident shortly after his return from Jiribam, where a bomb blast in the Tronglaobi village of Bishnupur district resulted in the deaths of two innocent children. He described this event as extremely unfortunate, not just for Manipur and India, but for humanity as a whole.

In response to a memorandum from a local club in Akham village requesting the construction of a community hall, dam, and water supply scheme, the Chief Minister assured that a new community hall would be built soon, in consultation with the local MLA.

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