Tangkhul Naga villagers from Sinakeithei in Ukhrul district met the Manipur Chief Minister seeking enhanced security, relief measures and infrastructure support.
Imphal, May 21: A delegation of Tangkhul Naga tribals from the Sinakeithei Village Authority in Ukhrul district on Wednesday met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and sought enhanced security arrangements in their area amid the continuing tension in the state.
The delegation, accompanied by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah of the Naga People's Front, called for the deployment of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel in Sinakeithei village. They also demanded adequate manpower at the Sinakeithei police station and proper functioning of the existing Sub-Divisional Collector’s office in the area.
During the meeting held at the Chief Minister’s official bungalow in Imphal, the villagers said repeated attacks by armed men in recent times had created fear and insecurity among residents of the village. According to the delegation, people in the area continue to live under distress due to the prevailing law and order situation.
The villagers urged the government to ensure proper security coverage and appealed for humanitarian assistance and supply of essential commodities to affected residents. They also sought deployment of security personnel along the road connecting Mahadev and Sinakeithei village to ensure safer movement for civilians.
Apart from security concerns, the delegation highlighted the need for better healthcare facilities and development works in the region. They requested the government to strengthen infrastructure and public services in the area.
Responding to the demands, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said disarming all forms of illegal firearms across the state was necessary for restoring peace in Manipur. He stated that peace remained the only solution to the prolonged crisis and urged all communities to work collectively towards reconciliation.
The Chief Minister also appealed to community leaders and public representatives to guide youths away from violence and encourage them to participate in peace-building efforts. Referring to former South African leader Nelson Mandela, he said even societies affected by deep racial conflict were able to move towards peace through dialogue and collective responsibility.
He further informed the delegation that the government was working towards creating employment opportunities for youths by promoting skill development and training programmes aimed at generating jobs outside the government sector.
During the interaction, the villagers expressed gratitude to the government for deploying two companies of the Border Security Force in the Sinakeithei area. They also appreciated the construction of the inter-village road connecting Sinakeithei with Ukhrul district headquarters and the sanctioning of a Bailey bridge over the Ihang river.
The meeting comes at a time when several communities across Manipur have continued to raise concerns over security, movement restrictions and access to basic services in conflict-affected areas.
