Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed for peace and announced INR 10 crore for road development in Andro.
IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday appealed to all communities in the hills and the valley to cooperate in restoring peace, saying he hopes to rebuild the Manipur that existed before May 3, 2023, when all 36 communities lived together in harmony.
Calling on people to work collectively to restore peace, unity and shared progress, the chief minister said lasting peace is essential for the state's development.
Khemchand was speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Ima Market (Mother's Market) at Andro village in Imphal East district.
He also inaugurated two bridges over the Thoubal River at Khungdongbam Mapa (1.10 km) and Wangkhem Siphai Leikai (1.80 km). The event was attended by local MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar and other officials.
Describing Andro, located about 25 km east of Imphal, as one of the oldest settlements in Asia with immense historical and cultural significance, the chief minister said the village deserves focused efforts for its preservation and development.
He said Andro is the pride of Manipur and is widely known for its natural fire, which attracts researchers and visitors from across the country and abroad.
Referring to the ethnic conflict that has continued for nearly three years, Khemchand said the prolonged unrest has severely affected inter-community relations, disrupted the education of the younger generation and impacted the state's economy.
Announcing a major development initiative, he said the government would sanction INR 10 crore for the construction and improvement of small inter-village roads in the Andro constituency.
Acknowledging the absence of a municipal council office in Andro, the chief minister assured that the government would take necessary steps to construct a dedicated office.
MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar said development activities in the constituency had slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict and other unforeseen challenges. However, he expressed confidence that development would regain momentum under the new government.
During the programme, various welfare associations, youth clubs and local organisations from Andro submitted memoranda to the chief minister seeking improved roads, construction of a municipal council office, retaining walls, appointment of primary school teachers and implementation of other development projects in the constituency.
Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East Dr. L Nivedita, Planning Department officials, district administration officials, public representatives and a large number of local residents attended the event.