Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reiterated that the BJP-led state government’s key focuses are restoring peace, fostering communal harmony, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development while preserving the state’s indigenous culture. Accompanied by State BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, the Chief Minister visited the mixed-population Jiribam district bordering southern Assam for the first time. During the visit, he engaged with local residents and spoke at various public gatherings.
Covering a distance of about 217 km from Imphal, the Chief Minister and his team traveled to Jiribam through National Highway-37, marking the first road journey by a sitting Chief Minister since the ethnic violence outbreak in Manipur in May 2023. The route passes through Kangpokpi district, predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo tribal communities, which holds significance due to the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Officials stated that the visit is part of the state government’s broader initiative to foster trust among communities and address local issues. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh is also scheduled to meet with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the violence and engage with leaders from the Meitei, Kuki, and Hmar communities during his stay in Jiribam.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a meeting in New Delhi on April 1, urged the Chief Minister to expedite the peace process and enhance communal harmony in Manipur. The meeting included a thorough review of the state’s law and order situation, with instructions to accelerate peace efforts and improve relations among different communities.
In a social media post, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh shared his visit to Jiribam district with State BJP President A. Sharda Devi Ji and BJP MLAs, emphasizing their commitment to peace, communal harmony, and sustainable development while safeguarding the indigenous culture. He also inspected the Jiri District Hospital to assess its operations, infrastructure, and services, noting a need for more medical staff and a plan to upgrade doctors’ quarters.
