Dialogue can bridge trust deficit between communities: Manipur CM
Imphal, May 14
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said the trust deficit between communities can be bridged through dialogue, citing Jiribam district as an example where people from different communities are now living in harmony.
The Chief Minister informed that the government will look into the grievances raised by ethnic violence-affected Internally Displaced Persons to increase the financial assistance for the construction of houses destroyed during the violence earlier.
As part of his continuing efforts to foster peace and build trust among communities, Singh on Thursday visited Kangchup Chingkhong, a foothill village in Imphal West district, and interacted with Internally Displaced Persons.
Assuring the Internally Displaced Persons of their safe return to their respective homes and villages, he said that adequate security will be provided after their return.
He also assured the Internally Displaced Persons that a pucca house to shelter security personnel will be constructed in the area soon.
Before that, Singh distributed one-time grants to 754 Internally Displaced Person college students under the Chief Minister's College Students Rehabilitation Scheme at Imphal College in Imphal West.
He also visited the injured Tangkhul Naga villagers who are under medical treatment at the Regional Institute for Medical Sciences, Lamphel, Imphal West.
The villagers were injured in a recent attack by armed attackers at Sinakeithei under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district.
Later in the evening, the Chief Minister visited a hospital in Imphal West district and interacted with the two Chiru Naga tribals who were injured in Wednesday's attack by armed miscreants near Joujangtek in Noney district.
He assured that the government will bear all the medical expenses of the injured civilians.
While interacting with the Internally Displaced Persons, the Chief Minister also informed that Rs 1.2 crore had been sanctioned for strengthening the inter-village road and Rs 1.94 crore for the construction of a water supply scheme.
He further informed that a market shed will be constructed at a suitable location in the village.
A young Internally Displaced Person told the gathering during the interaction programme that he was touched by the Chief Minister's recent comment that even World War II, despite the use of the atom bomb, ended at the negotiating table.
"This word touched my heart, and I stopped thinking in communal lines. I feel that we all should think of a new beginning by bringing peace," said the young Internally Displaced Person, adding that everyone in Kangchup village was surprised by the Chief Minister's visit as they had never expected it.
The villagers, who bore the brunt of ethnic violence, said that it was the first time that the state's Chief Minister had visited Kangchup Chingkhong village.
At Imphal College, the Chief Minister distributed Rs 10,000 each to the 754 violence-affected displaced students through Direct Benefit Transfer to their respective bank accounts.
Singh said, "In short, those who are unable to return to their own homes and birthplace are in the most miserable stage of humanity."
He said that his government is trying to rehabilitate all the Internally Displaced Persons.
He also said that job opportunities would be considered for Internally Displaced Person students upon completion of skill development training.
The Chief Minister further said that the student community are the most affected during the conflict.
Singh urged teachers and students to work together and take responsibility in the endeavour to bridge the trust deficit among different communities inhabiting the state.
Later, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the public reception block and the VIP waiting room at the Deputy Commissioner's office, Imphal West.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good intentions but actions speak louder than words. The CM's assurance of "adequate security" sounds hollow when we see attacks still happening, like the one on Tangkhul Naga villagers. Building pucca houses for security forces shouldn't replace rebuilding homes for displaced families. Need faster rehabilitation, not just more promises. Nevertheless, the dialogue approach is welcome.
Imagine having to flee your home and then the CM comes to visit you - that must feel so validating! The young IDP's comment about the WWII analogy really struck me. If atom bombs could lead to peace talks, surely we can solve this without more bloodshed. Manipur needs this kind of healing touch. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Interesting approach by the CM. Coming from a Western perspective, it's encouraging to see grassroots engagement rather than just top-down policy announcements. But I worry about the scale - 754 students getting Rs 10,000 each is a start, but there must be thousands more affected. Hope this isn't just a photo op and leads to systemic change. The road and water supply funding is promising though.
The emphasis on dialogue is exactly what Manipur needs after all these years of ethnic tension. But I wish the article addressed whether any Meitei or Kuki leaders were involved in these dialogues. Trust deficit can't be bridged by one community alone - all sides need to come to the table. Still, credit where due - visiting injured villagers in hospital shows genuine concern.
सीएम का यह कहना कि "जो अपने घर और जन्मभूम
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