Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh calls for peace and dialogue, collective economic development and better scheme delivery while inaugurating five projects in Keirao.
Imphal, Sept. 22: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has called on people in Manipur to set aside political differences and work together to restore peace, while urging collective efforts to revive the state’s economy and improve delivery of government schemes.
Speaking at two separate programmes in Imphal East and Imphal West on September 22, Khemchand said the prolonged conflict had caused hardship to people on both sides and affected the state’s economic activity. He appealed to people across communities to contribute to efforts to prevent further conflict and resolve grievances through dialogue.
At Arapti Lilong Mapal Kangjeibung, where he inaugurated five development projects under the Keirao Assembly Constituency, the Chief Minister said peace was necessary for building a progressive society and securing the future of the younger generation.
Khemchand said internally displaced persons (IDPs) had expressed their desire to return to their respective homes when he interacted with them and heard their concerns. He said he had assured them that every possible effort would be made to facilitate their return.
He also appealed to members of the 36 communities living in Manipur to play a greater role in preventing further conflict, saying development could not take place in areas where conflict continued.
Recalling the Seven Years Devastation, referring to the Manipur-Burmese War of 1819 to 1826, Khemchand said leaders and communities including the Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis and Meitei Pangals had at different times worked together and helped drive the Burmese out of Manipur. He invoked that history while renewing his appeal for collective efforts to restore peace.
Keirao MLA Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei expressed confidence that peace would return to Manipur in due course. He appreciated the efforts being made under the Chief Minister’s leadership and appealed to people to extend greater support and cooperation.
The five projects inaugurated at the Keirao programme included the Modern Agro Market Complex, or Nupi Keithel, at Kiyamgei, taken up with support from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER); two RCC bridges under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), one over the Imphal River at Elangbam Mapa and another over the Iril River at Urup Litan Mapa; a Working Women’s Hostel at Kiyamgei Mamang Leikai with support from MOBEDS; and an RCC Gallery, Football Field and Drain at Arapati Lilong Mapal Kangjeibung under the Khelo India Scheme.
Later, at a Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programme organised by the Imphal West district administration at Khoyathong Multipurpose Community Hall, Khemchand said the government would use the month-long programme to assess whether welfare schemes and services were reaching eligible beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister visited and interacted with more than 30 service counters and stalls showcasing schemes and services of government departments and institutions. He said direct interaction with citizens would help identify gaps in delivery and enable the government to address difficulties at the grassroots.
Khemchand said the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan was being observed across the country from September 17 to October 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service and carry forward the spirit of public service and good governance. He said the programme would be held in different Assembly constituencies to assess the reach of government schemes and benefits.
Referring to the recent deferment of the Census exercise in Manipur, the Chief Minister said the state government had discussed concerns raised by people with the Central Government. He said the Centre subsequently deferred the exercise in view of the concerns and aspirations expressed in the state. He also referred to the extension of the Inner Line Permit System to Manipur in 2019 as another measure taken by the Centre after considering concerns in the state.
On the state’s economy, Khemchand said the situation following the May 3, 2023 incident had caused substantial economic losses. He said Manipur lost around Rs 475 crore in GST collection during the 2023-24 financial year and that the state’s revenue collection had suffered losses of around Rs 1,300 crore over the last three years.
The Chief Minister also appealed against bandhs and blockades, saying such actions affect common people, particularly daily wage earners and others dependent on day-to-day economic activity. He urged people to approach their MLAs and the government with their grievances, saying the government’s doors remained open for dialogue and that problems could be addressed through discussion.
Calling for collective efforts towards economic development, Khemchand cited Singapore as an example of a country where people from different communities work together under a common national identity. He appealed to the people of Manipur to work peacefully and contribute to the state’s development and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
