Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh praises Maram, Tadubi and Mao residents for resuming free movement on NH-2, announces a Senapati medical college and outlines road development plans.
Senapati, Oct. 15: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has praised the people of Maram, Tadubi and Mao in Senapati district for cooperating in the resumption of free movement along National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Dimapur and Guwahati, saying the development has helped boost the state's economy.
Addressing the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at Tadubi local ground on Thursday, the Chief Minister said the restoration of movement along the highway was important for economic activity, while stressing that differences among communities should be resolved through dialogue.
The programme was held in the 49-Tadubi Assembly Constituency, which has remained vacant since the death of former MLA N. Kayisii in 2025. Khemchand Singh said he had personally decided to attend the event in the hill district.
The Chief Minister said the crisis that began on May 3, 2023, had severely affected Manipur's economy. He estimated that the state had suffered a revenue loss of around Rs 1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections between 2023 and 2026.
He also said bandhs and blockades had affected daily-wage earners and students across the state, adding that sustained dialogue was necessary to resolve differences between communities.
Referring to Manipur's history, Khemchand Singh said the state's 36 communities had cooperated with the then kings of Manipur during the Manipuri-Burmese War, collectively resisting the Burmese Army and protecting the state.
He urged communities to work together towards common goals, expressing concern that Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis were increasingly reluctant to identify themselves as Manipuris.
The Chief Minister said people should first identify themselves as Indians and then as Manipuris to help the state move towards peace.
Citing Singapore as an example, he said people from four different communities had worked together towards national development and achieved progress through collective efforts.
Speaking about development initiatives, Khemchand Singh said the state government had earmarked around Rs 10 crore in the budget for each Assembly constituency for the construction of inter-village roads (IVRs).
He also announced that a medical college would be established in Senapati district. He referred to the establishment of a medical college in Churachandpur district during the previous term of the government as part of efforts to ensure more equitable development in the hill districts.
The announcement comes amid the government's stated emphasis on extending development initiatives to different parts of Manipur.
The Chief Minister said the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan was being organised across the country to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service and promote the values of public service and good governance.
Referring to Modi's vision of transforming India, Khemchand Singh said the country had moved from the world's 11th-largest economy before Modi became Prime Minister to the fourth-largest economy. He also spoke about the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to build a developed India by the centenary of the country's Independence.
Former Senapati Autonomous District Council chairman A. Kapani thanked the district administration for providing a platform to participate in the programme marking the Prime Minister's public service journey.
Kapani said Tadubi constituency had faced several difficulties in the absence of an elected representative. However, he said government policies and benefits were being extended to residents under the Chief Minister's guidance.
He also appreciated the Chief Minister's initiative to facilitate free movement along National Highway-2 and assured that the constituency would support peace initiatives undertaken by the state government.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed benefits under various government schemes to eligible beneficiaries from the district. The president of the Mao Union, Tadubi, also submitted a memorandum to him.
The event was attended by the Senapati deputy commissioner, district administration officials, representatives of the Mao Union and Zeme Council, the Hill Coordinator, village chiefs, church leaders, students, scheme beneficiaries and local residents.
