Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh says unity, peace and dialogue are key to the state's progress and recovery
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IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday said a united Manipur is the only way forward for all communities living in the state, asserting that its identity and territorial integrity have been preserved through the collective sacrifices of its 36 communities.
Speaking at the inauguration-cum-reception programme of the newly constructed girls' hostel of the Mission Blind School at Heikakpokpi in Tengnoupal district, the chief minister stressed that peace, mutual respect and coexistence were essential for the state's progress.
Referring to the diverse communities residing around Heikakpokpi, Khemchand said development could be achieved only when people rose above community divisions and worked together with a shared identity.
Drawing a comparison with Singapore, he said development was possible when people worked together while setting aside differences.
Calling for lasting peace, the chief minister urged people to cherish the state built by their forefathers and said violence could never provide a solution to any problem.
He appealed to all sections of society to resolve differences through dialogue and noted that the state's economy had been adversely affected by the ongoing crisis.
Stating that signs of normalcy had begun to emerge after more than three years of conflict, Khemchand called on people to safeguard the ongoing peace process for the benefit of future generations.
He also said that many Kukis had started travelling to Imphal to board flights and that several groups had met him to discuss peace.
During the programme, the chief minister announced that the state government would upgrade the Mission Blind School from the existing Class VIII to Class X so that visually impaired students would not have to shift to other institutions to continue their education.
He directed the Director of Social Welfare to expedite the proposal.
The programme featured cultural performances by members of the Maring, Kom and Tarao communities as well as performances by students of the Mission Blind School.
Among those present were Deputy Commissioner of Tengnoupal Saurabh Yadav, Colonel Amit Mane, Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War 1891 chairman Joychandra Konthoujam, Kom Union Manipur president Serto Ahao Kom, Mission Blind School headmaster Karung Pareng Kom, officials and community leaders.