Imphal, April 2
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, on Thursday, chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials, directing them to take firm action to contain disruptive and unruly elements while ensuring secure corridors and smooth transit across the state, officials said.
According to an official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the meeting was held at the Civil Secretariat, where the prevailing law and order situation was assessed and strategies were discussed to strengthen safety and security measures along the National Highways.
"The protection of life and the facilitation of safe, uninterrupted movement of people and goods remain our highest priority," the Chief Minister said in a post on his official X account.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh added: "Clear directives have been issued to firmly address and contain all disruptive and recalcitrant elements, ensuring secure corridors and smooth transit across the state. We remain resolute in our commitment to uphold peace, stability, and public confidence through decisive and coordinated action."
Manipur relies heavily on two key National Highways -- Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) -- for the transportation of essential commodities, including foodgrains, medicines, construction materials, and other goods from different parts of the country.
Earlier on Thursday, the Chief Minister also met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Lok Bhavan in Imphal, soon after returning from New Delhi, where he had held discussions with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on a range of issues concerning the state.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh held a separate meeting with senior Army officials led by the General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division, Major General Subhankar Basu.
Taking to his official X account, the Chief Minister said: "We held detailed deliberations on the preparatory framework for hosting the Durand Cup 2026 in Imphal. Our discussions focused on institutional coordination, logistical preparedness, and the requisite modalities to ensure the seamless and successful organisation of the tournament."
Highlighting the importance of the event, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh noted that the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football competition, features premier teams from the Indian Super League, I-League, and the Armed Forces, and carries immense sporting prestige.
"With large spectator participation anticipated, the state government remains fully committed to delivering a secure, well-organised, and world-class sporting event, further reinforcing Manipur's standing as a leading hub of football excellence," he added.
Meanwhile, the 134th edition of the Durand Cup was held in Manipur in July 2025 after a two-year break due to ethnic conflict in the Northeastern state.
The opening match at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, former Eastern Command Chief Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, and other senior Army, paramilitary, security, and civil officials, along with dignitaries.
Following more than two years of ethnic hostilities between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities, President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh as the Manipur Chief Minister.
The President's Rule was withdrawn in February this year.
- IANS
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