(Photo: Official sources)
Imphal, April 17 (IANS) In a bid to bridge the trust deficit between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday visited several villages in Ukhrul district as part of a trust-building mission.
The Chief Minister said that while every community has both good and bad elements, ordinary citizens and innocent children aspire for peace and a harmonious life.
During an emotional interaction with a woman who broke down in tears at Thawai Kuki Village, Singh said: “I am a human being. My heart was truly touched. I also felt the same pain and anguish."
He added: "Therefore, there is no other option left other than dialogue for the restoration of peace."
Expressing deep concern, he noted that continued violence would have a lasting and damaging impact on future generations of children.
Meanwhile, in February, ethnic clashes over territorial disputes erupted between members of the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities at Litan Sareikhong in Ukhrul district, resulting in the torching of more than 30 houses belonging to both communities.
Tangkhul is the largest Naga tribe in Manipur and is mainly concentrated across several districts in the state. Several other incidents were also reported in the hill districts.
While conveying a message of unity and coexistence, the Chief Minister said that despite prevailing sorrow and regret, people must think about future generations.
For this, he urged elders to exercise restraint and guide society towards peace.
The Chief Minister assured villagers that he would look into resuming normal school classes. In the presence of the local MLA, he also confirmed that the construction of a bridge has already been included in the government’s work programme.
He further assured residents that the provision of drinking water would be taken up on priority and that steps would be initiated immediately upon his return to Imphal.
Appealing for harmony, the Chief Minister urged all communities to live together peacefully, keeping in mind the future of their children.
During his maiden visit to Ukhrul, he also stopped at Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he received a warm welcome from the village chief, elders, women and residents.
He interacted with the villagers and enquired about their well-being. While speaking with the village chief, Singh recalled that even World War II eventually ended through sustained dialogue despite devastating atomic bombings.
He questioned why communities today cannot also choose dialogue and reconciliation by putting past hardships behind them, and added that the local MLA should take the initiative in fostering dialogue, as the villagers are his constituents.
Calling for peace talks, the Chief Minister emphasised that dialogue should begin when minds are calm and composed. He also expressed concern over the uncertain future of children if violence continues.
Regarding the construction of a bridge in Sharkaphung village to improve connectivity with other parts of the district, he directed the concerned Chief Engineer of the PWD to examine the matter.
He assured that the project would be taken up within the year through available resources.
Earlier, on his way to the Ukhrul district headquarters, Khemchand Singh made stops at Shangkai village, Shokvao village and Ramva along the Imphal-Ukhrul road.
At Shangkai village, he interacted with residents, where women highlighted the lack of potable water and sought his intervention.
The Chief Minister assured them that the issue would be addressed on priority upon his return to Imphal.
At Shokvao village, villagers welcomed him with a traditional shawl and expressed their appreciation for his visit.
They also raised concerns regarding ongoing development works in the area.
At Ramva village, he was warmly received by elders, women and school-going children.
Residents urged him to improve and upgrade local roads, to which the Chief Minister responded with assurances of inclusive development across the state.
During his journey, Singh was also greeted by M.S. Deol, Executive Director of NHIDCL, along with his team.
Deol briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessami road construction project and highlighted challenges faced on the ground.
The Chief Minister assured that these issues would be addressed through discussions with the Chief Secretary and relevant officials.
At the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister received a grand reception from the district administration, civil society organisations (CSOs), village authorities and local residents at the Mini Secretariat.
He, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dilkho, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, and Chief Secretary P.K. Goel, later inspected preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 at Shirui village in Ukhrul district.
