“Unity and Peace Slogans in Valley Alone Won’t Bring Lasting Peace”: CM Khemchand
IMPHAL, Oct 7: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that raising the voice for unity and peace only in the valley districts would not bring lasting peace to the State, stressing the need to reach people in the hills.
Speaking at the Seva Jyoti Yatra (Foot March) at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal on Tuesday, the Chief Minister noted that the valley constitutes only around eight per cent of Manipur’s total geographical area. He called for a practical approach that includes reaching out to and visiting people in the hill areas, recalling that Manipur’s kings used to visit the hills frequently when the State was a kingdom.
The programme was organised as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of continuous public service.
Khemchand said the 36 communities living in Manipur must stand united for a common cause to restore peace, safeguard the integrity of the State and collectively contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Manipur.
Referring to the 2023 crisis, the Chief Minister said the prolonged situation had severely affected Manipur’s economy. He claimed that the State suffered an estimated loss of more than ₹1,200 crore in GST revenue during 2023–26, while bandhs and blockades caused losses of around ₹20–25 crore per day.
Highlighting developmental initiatives under the Central Government, Khemchand said railway connectivity had reached Khongsang in Tamenglong district, improving connectivity and the supply of essential commodities. He also pointed to the establishment of the National Sports University and Churachandpur Medical College.
He said access to potable water in remote areas had increased from around six per cent to nearly 80 per cent. On border fencing, he said that of the ongoing 240-km project, estimated to cost around ₹3,223 crore, 55 km had been completed, while piers for another 80 km had been erected.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to resolve differences through dialogue rather than agitation, which, he said, disrupts the normal functioning of the State.
Rajya Sabha MP Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, speaking at the programme, highlighted various welfare and development initiatives under the Prime Minister’s leadership, particularly those aimed at weaker sections and promoting women’s participation in nation-building. She also appealed to the people to cooperate with the State Government’s efforts to restore peace.
During the Seva Jyoti Yatra, Khemchand led other dignitaries carrying torches in a foot march from the main venue to the Northern Gate of Kangla.
Art and Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLAs, Chief Secretary, senior administrative officers, staff and members of the public attended the programme.
