Manipur CM takes NH-37 to Jiribam in first visit since 2023 ethnic violence
Jiribam, April 5
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday travelled via National Highway-37 to reach Jiribam district, in a first since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023, marking a significant political and administrative outreach to the region.
Khemchand Singh arrived in Jiribam at around 1:30 pm, accompanied by state BJP president A Sharda Devi and eight MLAs as part of a three-day visit to the district, located about 217 km from the state capital. The route via NH-37 passes through several Kuki-inhabited areas.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister was warmly received by the Jiribam District Administration and Jiribam Police.
On April 5, the Chief Minister will attend the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Inter-State Truck Terminal and other projects in Chandrapur.
During the visit, he inspected a 50-bedded hospital at Ningsingkhul in Jiribam. He interacted with hospital officials and local residents, visited various wards, and reviewed the shortcomings of the healthcare facility. Addressing officials and the public, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would introduce policies to strengthen the hospital's infrastructure and address its needs.
Several MLAs, including Tongbram Robindro, K. Robindro, Sapam Ranjan, H. Dingo, L. Rameshwar, S. Kunjakeshwor (Keba), S. Premchandra, Ashab Uddin, and Noorul Hassan, are part of the visiting delegation. The Commissioner (Home) and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) are also accompanying the team.
The visit will also include interactions with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and meetings with local leaders to assess the ground situation.
Notably, in June 2024, former Chief Minister of Manipur Nongthombam Biren Singh had planned a similar visit to Jiribam via NH-37. However, suspected militants ambushed his advance security convoy near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district, injuring security personnel and forcing the cancellation of the trip.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Better late than never, but the visit is welcome. The fact that the previous CM's convoy was attacked on the same route shows how volatile things still are. Security for our leaders and citizens must be the top priority.
Inspecting the 50-bed hospital is good, but what Manipur needs is sustained development and peace-building, not just one-off visits. Hope the policies he promised are implemented swiftly. The people have suffered enough.
As someone following the situation from outside, it's heartening to see outreach. The inclusion of many MLAs from different communities is a good sign. Real healing will come from dialogue and inclusive governance.
With all due respect, this feels like a political tour before any potential elections. The real test is what happens after he leaves. Will the hospital get funds? Will the IDPs get permanent homes? Action matters more than photo-ops.
Travelling through Kuki-inhabited areas is significant. Hope this gesture helps bridge the divide. Peace in Manipur is crucial for the entire North-East. Jai Hind.
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