Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh calls for hill-valley outreach and dialogue to restore peace and strengthen State unity
IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday called for greater outreach between the hill and valley communities to restore lasting peace in the state, saying appeals for unity confined to the valley would not be enough.
Speaking at the Seva Jyoti Yatra at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, he said that the valley accounts for only about 8% of Manipur’s geographical area and stressed the need to reach out to people in the hills.
He said the state’s 36 communities must work together to restore peace, protect Manipur’s integrity and contribute to its development.
The chief minister said the violence that began in 2023 had severely affected the state’s economy, with Manipur estimated to have lost more than INR 1,200 crore in GST revenue between 2023 and 2026. He also claimed that bandhs and blockades resulted in daily losses of around INR 20–25 crore.
Khemchand Singh appealed to people to resolve differences through dialogue instead of agitations that disrupt normal life and economic activity.
Highlighting development initiatives, he said railway connectivity had reached Khongsang in Tamenglong district and pointed to the establishment of the National Sports University and Churachandpur Medical College.
He also said access to potable water in remote areas had increased from about 6% to nearly 80%.
On border infrastructure, the chief minister said 55 km of fencing had been completed out of the ongoing 240-km project, estimated to cost around INR 3,223 crore. Piers for another 80 km, he added, had been erected and were ready for fencing.
Rajya Sabha MP A Sharda Devi, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted women’s participation in development and praised various welfare and development initiatives of the Union government.
The Seva Jyoti Yatra was organised as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The chief minister, along with other dignitaries, led a torch-bearing foot march from the main venue to the Northern Gate of Kangla.