Imphal, February 12: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the violence-affected Jiribam district on Wednesday. He urged them to set aside the painful events of the past two years and work together for peace and development.
During his first visit to the mixed-population Jiribam district, located near the Assam border, the Chief Minister stated, “Consider the last two years as a bad dream. Have the courage to forget it and move forward towards peace and development.”
He first visited a relief camp set up at Jiribam Higher Secondary School, where displaced members of the Meitei community are residing. While interacting with the camp residents, he emphasized the need for collective efforts to rebuild trust.
“Jiribam is the gateway to Manipur and has the potential to become a commercial hub. Just as Mumbai is the economic capital of India, Jiribam can be the Mumbai of Manipur. However, peace is essential for trade to flourish,” he added.
The Chief Minister then visited the Kalinagar relief camp, home to displaced individuals from the Kuki-Jo community. He encouraged them to view the past two years as a nightmare and to bravely move forward.
Referencing the Christian faith of the Hmar community, Singh remarked that Christianity teaches forgiveness and love for one’s neighbor, even for enemies. He also visited the violence-affected Jarolpokpi Hmar village in 2023.
This was his second visit to Kuki-Jo villages since December 8 of last year. Previously, he visited a Kuki settlement in Ukhrul district to meet with displaced individuals.
Singh expressed concern over attempts to undermine the concept of being ‘Manipuri.’ He stated, “First, we are Indians, and then Manipuris. We may identify as Manipuri Naga, Manipuri Kuki, or Manipuri Meitei, but we must strengthen our collective identity.”
The villagers assured the government of their full support and expressed the need for local infrastructure, particularly the construction of school buildings.
The Chief Minister also visited Mongbung Meitei village, where residents requested road repairs. Singh promised development and urged both communities to initiate dialogue to bridge the trust gap.
“This is my first visit outside Imphal since taking the oath of office last week. Jiribam is one of the most important places in Manipur and has immense potential to become a commercial center. Peace is essential for this vision,” he stated.
He informed the residents of the relief camps that the district administration is addressing their concerns and that housing for the homeless displaced individuals is under construction, expected to be completed by March.
During his visit to the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp, Singh also presented a wheelchair to an elderly woman under the palliative care scheme.
In a media interaction, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to building a united Manipur, rising above caste and community. Regarding the issue of IDP rehabilitation, he noted that the process began during President’s Rule, and his government is committed to advancing it, although it is too early to provide a timeline.
Upon arriving at the Bidyanagar helipad, he was welcomed by District Commissioner Krishna Kumar, Superintendent of Police Prakhar Pandey, and other administrative and security officials.
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