Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited various villages in Ukhrul district on April 17, 2026, to bridge the trust deficit between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, calling for peace through dialogue and assuring development works.
IMPHAL – In a bid to remove the trust deficit between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today visited various villages of Ukhrul district as part of a trust-building mission. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dilkho, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, and Chief Secretary Dr. P.K. Goel.
Held a meaningful meeting at Mini Secretariat, Ukhrul with public & CSO leaders, focusing on restoring peace and security in disturbed areas.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) April 17, 2026
Encouraged by students’ innovative science projects. Received memorandums from TNL, TSL, TKS & TNWL, assured due consideration.
Despite… pic.twitter.com/lflQzd0tkU
During a heartfelt exchange with a woman who broke down in tears at Thawai Kuki Village, the Chief Minister said, "I am a human being. My heart was truly touched. I also felt the same pain and anguish." He added that there is no other option left other than dialogue for the restoration of peace.
Khemchand stated with a heavy heart that violence would gravely affect generations of children. While conveying the message of living together in harmony, he urged the community to think of future generations despite the prevailing sorrow and regret, saying that elders must exercise control over their minds.
The Chief Minister assured the villagers that he would look into resuming normal classes for schools, and in the presence of the local MLA, confirmed that the construction of a bridge is already included in the work programme. He also assured them that provision of drinking water would be taken up on priority immediately after returning to Imphal.
During his maiden visit to Ukhrul, the Chief Minister also visited Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he was accorded a warm welcome by the village chief, elders, women, and other residents. He interacted with the villagers and enquired about their well-being.
While speaking with the village chief, Khemchand recalled that even World War II came to an end through continuous dialogue despite the atomic bombings, and asked why the communities should not live in harmony through dialogue by forgetting past nightmares. He said the local MLA should initiate the dialogue as the villagers are his people.
Calling for a peace dialogue, the Chief Minister expressed that a dialogue must be initiated when everybody's mind is calm and cool, and voiced concern about the unpredictability of children's futures if violence continues.
On the construction of a bridge at Sharkaphung village connecting other parts of the district, the Chief Minister directed the concerned Chief Engineer, PWD, to look into the matter and assured that construction would be taken up during the current year through various other sources.
On his way to Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister made stops at Shangkai village, Shokvao village, and Ramva along the Imphal–Ukhrul road.
At Shangkai village, women raised concerns about the lack of potable water, and the Chief Minister assured them that the issue would be taken up on priority immediately after his return to Imphal. At Shokvao village, the villagers presented him with a traditional shawl and expressed happiness over his visit, also sharing concerns regarding development works undertaken by the government. At Ramva village, he was given a warm welcome by elders, women, and school-going children, who urged the Chief Minister to develop and upgrade local roads. He assured them of inclusive development across the state.
En route to Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister was greeted by M.S. Deol, Executive Director, NHIDCL, who briefed him on the progress of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami road construction project and apprised him of challenges being faced on the ground. The Chief Minister assured that these challenges would be resolved following discussions with the Chief Secretary and other officials.
At Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister was accorded a rousing reception by the District Administration, people of Ukhrul, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and various village authorities at the Mini Secretariat. The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, subsequently inspected the preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 at Shirui Village.
