Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Nemcha Kipgen and MLA Haokholet Kipgen announce free movement on National Highways and Imphal-Dimapur bus service.
Imphal, August 8: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen on Saturday jointly announced the immediate reopening of the state’s National Highways for free movement of all communities and the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur bus service.
The announcement was made at Kangpokpi District Headquarters during the Chief Minister’s visit to the district, where he met community leaders, inaugurated development projects and distributed benefits under various government schemes.
The reopening of the highways marks a significant step in the government’s stated efforts to restore normal movement and strengthen peace and reconciliation in the state.
During the programme, MLA Haokholet Kipgen described National Highway-2 as a lifeline for communities in Manipur since the Second World War. He appealed to all communities and those involved in the conflict to leave the past behind and return to normalcy.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen described the occasion as historic and called for greater cooperation among communities. She maintained that lasting peace could be achieved through mutual love and trust and sought the support of civil society organisations, public leaders and intellectuals.
She also stressed that Manipur’s overall development would remain incomplete unless both the valley and hill areas progressed together.
A historic step towards peace and normalcy in Manipur.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 8, 2026
In the presence of Hon’ble Dy. CM Smt. @KipgenNemcha and Hon’ble NDA legislators, it was decided that the Imphal–Guwahati Bus Service will resume shortly, while the National Highway will be open to all communities.
A step… pic.twitter.com/sakbT0XIpj
CM calls for trust among communities
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said Manipur has a history of around 3,000 years and referred to the 19th-century Seven Years’ Devastation as one of the darkest periods in the state’s history.
He said the boundaries of Manipur had been shaped and protected through the contributions and sacrifices of people from different communities.
The Chief Minister cautioned against attempts by vested interests to create confusion among the people, while asserting that every crisis has a solution.
He urged communities to trust and support one another and said people should identify themselves as Indians first and Manipuris thereafter.
Referring to the wider development of the region, Khemchand Singh said India’s development would remain incomplete without the progress of the Northeast, while Manipur’s development would similarly remain incomplete without Kangpokpi’s progress.
While inaugurating a dialysis unit, the Chief Minister referred to a Biblical verse on forgiveness and urged people to forgive and forget. He said the government was taking the conflicts in the state seriously.
He also referred to the examples of Americans taking pride in their nationality irrespective of race and Singaporeans identifying strongly with their national identity.
Extended our warm welcome to Hon’ble CM Shri @YKhemchandSingh on his visit to Kangpokpi District.
— Nemcha Kipgen (@KipgenNemcha) August 8, 2026
Glad to be part of several significant initiatives for the district, including the inauguration of the Dialysis Unit at CHC, Kangpokpi, District Blood Storage Facility at Kangpokpi… pic.twitter.com/LM3ixXaw7P
Kangpokpi to get upgraded health and civic infrastructure
The Chief Minister announced that Kangpokpi District Hospital would be upgraded to a 100-bed hospital equipped with a CT scan facility.
He also announced the construction of Primary Health Centres at Motbung and T. Waichong and the upgradation of the Community Health Centre at Saikul.
A major retaining wall will also be constructed along rivers in Kangpokpi district to help address flooding, he announced.
The government will also develop new sports facilities in the district in consultation with Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Kangpokpi’s MLAs.
Khemchand Singh further announced that construction of a City Convention Hall-cum-Guest House would begin this year. A dedicated computerised examination centre will also be established in the district.
The Chief Minister noted that the prolonged conflict had severely affected the younger generation.
Laid the foundation stone for the Observation Home at Kangpokpi DHQ and distributed ?4,000 monthly assistance per beneficiary under Mission Vatsalya.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 8, 2026
These initiatives strengthen our commitment to peace, compassion and community bonding, while ensuring care, protection, dignity… pic.twitter.com/4npqTACEFr
Health facilities and welfare assistance inaugurated
During the visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated a dialysis unit at the Community Health Centre and a District Blood Storage facility at Kangpokpi District Hospital.
He also handed over ambulances to the Chief Medical Officer, Kangpokpi.
Beneficiaries received assistance under several government programmes, including PM-JAY, TB Mukt Bharat, Mission Vatsalya, PM-Kisan, PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM.
Agricultural sprayers were distributed under Agriculture Department initiatives, while cheques were handed over to internally displaced persons and dialysis patients.
The Chief Minister also distributed solar pumps under PM-KUSUM.
Two young sportspersons — a football player and a badminton player — were felicitated for their performances in international competitions.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by several MLAs, senior government officials, heads of departments and Waqf Board Chairman Antas Khan.
