Manipur CM urges 36 communities to unite for peace, integrity and 'Viksit Manipur'

Imphal, October 7 (IANS): Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday called upon the state's 36 communities, including the Meitei, Kuki-Zo and Naga, to stand united for a common cause, help restore peace, safeguard the state's integrity and collectively contribute to the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by building a 'Viksit Manipur'.

Addressing the 'Seva Jyoti Yatra' (foot march) in observance of Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at historic Kangla fort in Imphal, the Chief Minister said that raising voice for unity and peace only in the valley districts would not bring lasting peace to the state and added that the valley constitutes only eight per cent of the total geographical area of Manipur.

He stressed the need to adopt a practical approach by reaching out and visiting the people in the hills, just as the erstwhile kings used to frequently visit the hill areas of the state when Manipur was a kingdom.

The 'Seva Jyoti Yatra' was organised as part of the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to commemorate the momentous completion of 25 continuous years of uninterrupted public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Khemchand Singh reiterated that the ethnic violence that took place in Manipur in May 2023 had severely affected the state's economy.

He said that the ethnic hostilities had resulted in an estimated loss of above Rs 1,200 crore in GST revenue for the state during the year 2023-2026.

He also added that the state had incurred losses of around Rs 20 to Rs 25 crore per day due to bandhs and blockades.

Describing Narendra Modi's vision of transforming the nation, the Chief Minister said that, before he (PM Modi) became the Prime Minister of the country, India stood at the 11th position in terms of global largest economy.

He added that, after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, India now takes the position of the 4th largest economy in the world, making it one of the largest economies in the world.

Khemchand Singh added that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the vision of 'Viksit Bharat2047' aims to build a strong India by the time the country attains 100 years of independence.

The Prime Minister has become a renowned and influential leader globally, he said.

The Chief Minister added that, just as the Prime Minister was leading the nation towards greater heights of development and progress, the people of Manipur must also unite and make collective and concerted efforts to advance the state towards development and peace.

Lauding PM Narendra Modi for the significant developmental initiatives and achievements witnessed in the state, Khemchand Singh said that under Prime Minister's leadership railway connectivity had reached Khongsang in Tamenglong district of Manipur, thereby improving connectivity and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the people of the State.

He also added that the National Sports University (NSU), the first and only varsity of its kind in the country, had been established in Manipur.

Besides the establishment of Churachandpur Medical College in Churachandpur, a hill district of the state.

He also said that access to potable water in the remote areas of the state had increased substantially, from six per cent earlier to nearly 80 per cent at present.

Khemchand Singh added that, out of the ongoing 240-km border fencing work, with an estimated cost of around Rs 3,223 crore, fencing of 55 km had already been completed, while piers for another 80 km had been erected and were ready for the fencing work.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Manipur to resolve any differences through dialogue rather than resorting to agitations, which disrupt the normal functioning of the state.

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi lauded Prime Minister Modi for the initiatives taken under his leadership in formulating various schemes that are benefiting people at the grassroots level.

She added that the Prime Minister's work primarily focuses on the upliftment of the weaker sections of society.

Realising the vital importance of women's participation in nation-building and societal development, Sharda Devi said that the Prime Minister has undertaken several significant initiatives to promote women-led development in the country.

She emphasised that women are being accorded due importance and encouraged to actively participate in various developmental initiatives.

Sharda Devi also added that India is progressing rapidly on the path of development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi.