Senapati/Kangpokpi: In an effort to foster trust among communities and promote lasting peace in Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, where he interacted with both Naga and Kuki communities on Wednesday.
During his journey to Senapati district, CM Khemchand and his entourage encountered a protest by Nagas at Taphou village, where they were greeted with black flags.
The demonstrators expressed their discontent with the state government’s handling of the recent brutal killing of six Naga civilians by a Kuki armed group.
In Senapati district, CM Khemchand, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and MLAs Tongbram Robindro Singh, Sheikh Noorul Hassan and J. Kumo Sha, visited several locations and reviewed the ongoing developmental projects being undertaken in the district.
He also interacted with the public and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and assessed the implementation of various government projects and initiatives.
Upon his arrival at a potato farm in Mao, the Chief Minister was informed by T.N. Panmei, Commissioner of Horticulture, that the department had not been receiving adequate funds for the past two years. As a result, the farm has not been able to produce the same quantities as it did earlier.
Referring to the favourable climatic conditions in Mao, Khemchand Singh said that the weather in Mao, Senapati district, is suitable not only for potato cultivation but also for growing flowers and other horticultural produce.
He further assured that the government would hold discussions with all stakeholders to address the problems and grievances faced by the people of the Mao area.
Later, the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome by representatives of the Mao Council, Mao Students’ Union and the landowners of the potato farm at the ACI Auditorium in Punanamei village, Mao.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh announced the formal approval for the construction of the Rikhruri Multipurpose Dam. The dam will provide drinking water to 27 nearby villages.
During the reception programme, the Mao Council and the Poumai Naga Union (PNU) also submitted two memorandums to the Chief Minister.
In response to a memorandum submitted by the Mao Students’ Union regarding the proposal for the construction of a Multipurpose Skill Training, Trade and Youth Activity Centre at Mao, the Chief Minister said that the matter would be discussed at a Cabinet meeting.
Regarding the enforcement of the agreement concerning the landowners of the potato farm, the Chief Minister said that the government would discuss the matter with the concerned officials.
The Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, MLAs and the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, also met representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat Complex in Senapati town.
Meanwhile, on his return from a day-long visit to Senapati district, CM Khemchand interacted with the 14 Kuki youths who were safely released after being held captive recently at the residence of the village chief of Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district.
During the interaction, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said, “Whether it is Kuki, Naga, Meitei or any other community, we are all citizens of India. Secondly, we are all Manipuri. You are Manipuri Kuki, I am Manipuri Meitei, and you are Manipuri Naga.”
Speaking about the meeting with representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) in Senapati earlier in the day, the Chief Minister told the Kuki villagers that he had thanked the UNC for facilitating the safe release of the 14 Kuki youths through peace initiatives. He added that the youths who had been held hostage were saved unharmed by God, not by him.
As the Chief Minister of Manipur, he said, his duty is to find a way for all communities to live together in harmony. He further said that a roadmap must be chalked out so that all communities can coexist peacefully in the state.
Khemchand Singh stated that there can be no development where there is no peace.
The Chief Minister made a brief stopover at Kangpokpi headquarters, where he was warmly received by church leaders.
Interacting with the church leaders, Khemchand Singh said, “Let us all forgive and forget the past and move forward towards bringing peace to the state.”
The Chief Minister shared with the church leaders that, for the welfare of future generations, he, as a Meitei, has been making efforts to guide and restrain Meitei youths from violence. He expressed hope that the church leaders would also make similar efforts within their respective communities.
Khemchand Singh appealed to the church leaders to carry forward the goodwill initiatives aimed at restoring peace in the state. He further urged everyone to work collectively towards bringing lasting peace to the state.
Later, the church leaders submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
On reaching Namdilong in Imphal West, the Chief Minister also met women from the Liangmei Naga community and patiently listened to their grievances.
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