Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh highlighted the necessity of sustained peace for the state’s advancement and prosperity. He emphasized that dialogue is crucial to restoring normalcy in the region affected by ethnic violence. During the 5th Foundation Day celebration of a local TV channel in Imphal, Singh mentioned his visit to Churachandpur, where he witnessed the absence of disturbances that plagued the area during the peak of the ethnic crisis.
Reiterating the significance of dialogue in achieving lasting peace in Manipur, Singh shared an anecdote from his interaction with media personnel in Churachandpur. He recalled responding to a reporter’s question about the peace roadmap by stating, “Your smile is the roadmap to peace.” The Chief Minister stressed that without peace, development cannot progress in the state, underscoring the community’s desire to overcome the prolonged crisis together.
Singh pointed out that certain individuals benefit from the ongoing chaotic situation and are resistant to peace. He urged the populace to thwart such vested interests hindering collective efforts towards peace restoration and state progress. The Chief Minister assured that those disrupting peace would be identified and dealt with accordingly.
The crisis in Manipur has taken a toll on the state’s economy and government revenue collection, as highlighted by Singh. He noted that the crisis disproportionately affects the younger generation, the impoverished, and daily wage earners. Additionally, students face significant challenges due to the unrest in the state.
The event was attended by MLA Khumukcham Joykisan Singh, Information and Public Relations (IPR) Director Charanjeet Singh, and the editor of the local TV channel, Jit Ningomba. The gathering included media professionals, civil society representatives, government officials, and other attendees.
Earlier on Saturday, the Chief Minister participated in the funeral service of former Manipur Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and veteran tribal leader Vungzagin Valte. Valte, a 62-year-old Zomi tribal community member, succumbed to injuries sustained during ethnic violence in Imphal on May 4, 2023. His body was laid to rest in Churachandpur after being brought from Delhi, where he had received medical treatment following the attack.
