Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh travelled to Senapati via Kangpokpi after three years and inaugurated multiple development projects.
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IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday travelled to Senapati district via Kangpokpi town by road, becoming the first chief minister to take the route in three years since the outbreak of the Manipur crisis in May 2023.
The visit marked a significant development amid efforts to restore normalcy, with the chief minister attending a reception organised by Senapati-based organisations at the district headquarters, about 60 km north of Imphal.
Hailing civil society organisations in Senapati, Mao and Kangpokpi for supporting peace initiatives, Khemchand Singh said the visit was made possible due to their cooperation following the prolonged conflict in the state.
Addressing the gathering, he stressed the need for balanced and inclusive development, stating that the state cannot progress unless all districts develop together.
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“The territorial integrity of Manipur has been safeguarding by the 36 different communities inhabited in the State since time immemorial. Thus, Manipur is considered a Mini India,” he said, adding, “First we are Indian and then we are Manipuri. We all should work together as Manipuri and take our state to a new height of development.”
He also recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s emphasis on the development of the Northeast, noting that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region was established during his tenure.
Responding to a memorandum from the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) seeking establishment of a medical college in Senapati, the chief minister said the proposal would be placed before the next State Cabinet meeting.
On infrastructure issues, he directed Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who holds the Public Health Engineering portfolio, to prepare a detailed project report for improving the sewerage system. He also said relocation of the Senapati Police Station, cited as congested, would be examined.
Regarding the development of the Barak Festival site, he said consultations would be held with the Tourism Department and stakeholders to finalise plans.
During the visit, the chief minister inaugurated three projects, including a multi-level parking and agricultural and economic transportation hub at Senapati Bazar, 10 multipurpose centres under PM-JANMAN in PVTG areas of the Maram tribe, a PHSC building at Pudanamei, and a 3D digital dental laboratory under PM-DeVine.
He also laid foundation stones for several projects, including construction of 69 anganwadi centres, installation of flood lighting at Senapati Public Turf Ground, additional classrooms in 15 ADC schools, and infrastructure such as toilets, water reservoirs, community halls, wayside amenities and solid waste management facilities across multiple locations.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who accompanied the chief minister along with MLAs Awangbow Newmai, Tongbram Robindro Singh and J Kumo Sha, commended the people of Senapati for maintaining peace.
The programme began with a prayer led by Fr Dr William Nepuni, Principal of St Xavier College, Maram Khunou, followed by a one-minute silence in memory of two children killed in a recent blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district.
Earlier, the chief minister was accorded a reception by the public, led by the Naga People’s Organisation, at the Multipurpose Hall in Senapati town.