Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh inaugurated a new girls’ hostel at Mission Blind School in Tengnoupal and appealed to all communities to uphold peace, unity and harmony.
Imphal, June 19: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed Girls’ Hostel of the Mission Blind School at Laiching Heikakpokpi in Tengnoupal district and used the occasion to make a strong appeal for unity, peace and harmony among all communities in Manipur.
Addressing an inauguration-cum-reception programme held at the school campus, the Chief Minister said that a united Manipur remains the only path forward for the people of the state. He stressed that the identity and territorial integrity of Manipur have been safeguarded through the collective sacrifices of all the 36 communities inhabiting the state and urged people to continue preserving that shared legacy.
The event was held in Heikakpokpi, located in Tengnoupal district, a tribal-majority area bordering Myanmar. The programme brought together government officials, community leaders, local residents, students and representatives of various organisations.
Speaking before the gathering, Khemchand Singh said every community has contributed to the growth and survival of Manipur over generations. He urged citizens to cherish and protect the state built by their forefathers and to work together for a peaceful and prosperous future.
The Chief Minister noted that the area around Heikakpokpi is home to diverse communities and said peaceful coexistence is essential for the progress of the state. He maintained that development can only be achieved when people rise above differences and work collectively towards common goals.
Drawing a comparison with Singapore, he said economic growth and social progress become possible when people embrace a shared identity rather than allowing community divisions to dictate their future. According to him, mutual respect, cooperation and unity are critical for creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for all sections of society.
Referring to the prolonged conflict that has affected Manipur for more than three years, Khemchand Singh reiterated that violence cannot provide lasting solutions to any problem. He appealed to all stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue and understanding.
He said the ongoing unrest has taken a severe toll on the state's economy and disrupted normal life across many sectors. Businesses, livelihoods and developmental activities have been adversely affected by the instability, he added.
At the same time, the Chief Minister pointed to what he described as encouraging signs of improvement in the overall situation. He said normalcy has gradually begun returning to different parts of the state and urged people to support and protect the peace process.
According to Khemchand Singh, increasing interactions between communities indicate a willingness to move towards reconciliation. He noted that many Kuki residents have started travelling to Imphal to board flights, which he described as a positive sign of improving confidence and mobility. He also stated that several groups had met him to discuss peace and ways to restore normalcy.
Calling on people to think about future generations, the Chief Minister said the present opportunity for peace should not be wasted. He urged all communities to contribute towards rebuilding trust and strengthening social harmony across the state.
Apart from issues relating to peace and development, the Chief Minister also announced a significant educational initiative for students of the Mission Blind School.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by visually impaired students, he declared that the State Government would upgrade the school from the existing Class VIII level to Class X. The move, he said, would enable students to continue their education within the institution instead of having to move elsewhere after completing Class VIII.
He directed the Director of Social Welfare to take necessary steps and expedite the proposal for the upgradation of the school.
The announcement was welcomed by students, teachers and members of the local community, who have long sought additional educational facilities for visually impaired children studying at the institution.
The programme also featured a series of cultural performances showcasing the traditions of different tribal communities in the region. Cultural troupes representing the Maring, Kom and Tarao communities presented performances, while students of the Mission Blind School also took part in the programme.
The event provided an opportunity for local organisations and community representatives to raise developmental concerns before the government. Organisers and local representatives submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister seeking intervention on a range of issues affecting the area.
Among those present at the function were Deputy Commissioner of Tengnoupal Saurabh Yadav, Col Amit Mane, Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War 1891 Chairman Joychandra Konthoujam, Kom Union Manipur President Serto Ahao Kom, Mission Blind School Headmaster Karung Pareng Kom, officials of the Social Welfare Department, community leaders, faculty members, students and local residents.
The inauguration of the girls’ hostel is expected to strengthen residential facilities at the Mission Blind School and improve access to education for visually impaired girls from different parts of the state.
