Imphal, April 5: Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday said restoring peace and addressing the “trust deficit” among communities remains the government’s top priority, while outlining plans to develop Jiribam into a model district.
Speaking at the proposed site of an inter-state truck terminus, the Chief Minister noted that all communities were seeking a return to normalcy following the violence that began on May 3, 2023. He emphasised that rebuilding trust would be central to long-term peace, stating that his objective is to ensure stability and reconciliation across the region.
Describing Jiribam as a starting point for renewed engagement, he referred to a recent instance where members of different communities shared a joint meal after the unrest, calling it a positive sign towards restoring ties.
The visit marks his first journey to the district via National Highway-37 since the outbreak of ethnic violence, with the route passing through several sensitive areas. He was accompanied by a delegation that included state BJP president A Sharda Devi and multiple MLAs, signalling an intensified outreach effort.
During the three-day visit, the Chief Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the inter-state truck terminal and other infrastructure projects at Chandrapur. He indicated that the site could also be developed for tourism, subject to consultations with the Town Planning Department.
Khemchand Singh also inspected a 50-bedded hospital at Ningsingkhul, where he reviewed existing infrastructure and interacted with staff and local residents. He assured that steps would be taken to strengthen healthcare services in the district.
Officials from the Home and Public Works departments accompanied the delegation, with meetings planned with internally displaced persons and community leaders to assess ground realities.
The visit comes amid ongoing security concerns in the region. A previous attempt by former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh to visit the area in June 2024 had been called off following an attack on his convoy in Kangpokpi district.
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister also participated in a plantation drive organised by the Jiribam Forest Division, alongside MLAs and senior officials, highlighting parallel efforts towards environmental initiatives and development.
