Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visits Kanto Sabal, urging peace, unity and stronger security after recent violence
IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday visited Kanto Sabal village in Imphal West district and urged people to uphold peace and harmony among all communities, saying they are the foundation for the state's progress.
He called on people to maintain mutual trust, understanding and peaceful coexistence, emphasising that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity and cooperation.
Addressing villagers during the visit, Khemchand said that without peace there can be no development, adding that infrastructure, education and healthcare can flourish only in a peaceful environment. He appealed to all sections of society to work together to preserve peace and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood so that the state can move forward on the path of inclusive growth and prosperity.
The chief minister also said his government is making every effort to ensure the free movement of all communities along the national highways passing through the state, adding that restoring normalcy remains one of the government's top priorities.
During the visit, the Village Development Committee of Kanto Sabal, along with local Meira Paibis and club representatives, submitted a memorandum highlighting local issues and security concerns. Among other demands, the memorandum sought stronger security arrangements and measures to ensure the safety and free movement of residents.
Receiving the memorandum, Khemchand assured the villagers that the issues raised would be examined on priority and that the government would take appropriate steps in consultation with the concerned departments and security agencies. He reiterated the government's commitment to restoring normalcy, ensuring public safety and continuing development initiatives for the welfare of all citizens.
Kanto Sabal is located in the state's lone Scheduled Caste-reserved Sekmai Assembly constituency, bordering Kangpokpi district.
Sekmai MLA H. Dingo Singh said the ongoing ethnic conflict is complex and would take time to heal. He appealed to residents not to act on emotion but to cooperate with one another and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace.
Fresh tension erupted in the Leimakhong Chingmang-Kanto Sabal area of Imphal West district, bordering Kangpokpi, on July 11 after six abandoned Meitei houses were set on fire while members of the Kuki community were holding a protest demanding the free movement of essential commodities.
Police later arrested two persons in connection with the incident — Kammang Lhouvum (65), chief of Hengjang village and chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee, and Pagin Hangshing (30), a resident of Khunkho Kuki village.