IMPHAL, AUG 8 (NPN): For the first time since the violent crisis unfolded more than three years ago, Kuki tribes in Kangpokpi district openly welcomed chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh during his visit to the district headquarters Saturday.
Officials described the visit as a major step towards restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur. The chief minister, accompanied by deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen and MLA Haokholet Kipgen—both belonging to the Kuki tribe—announced the immediate reopening of national highways for free movement of all communities.
The government also declared resumption of the Imphal–Dimapur bus service, suspended since the outbreak of the crisis, to restore connectivity and facilitate normal movement across the state.
Significantly, Saturday’s visit was not Singh’s first to Kangpokpi since assuming office in February. On earlier occasions, while passing through the district en route to Senapati, he had stopped at the headquarters but received no open welcome from the public. Kangpokpi is considered the second most affected Kuki‑dominated district after Churachandpur. Last month, Singh had visited Churachandpur where he was welcomed only by the Zomi tribes.
During the Kangpokpi visit, Singh was accorded a rousing reception by villagers at Gamgiphai and later at the district headquarters, where he held meetings with community leaders. He inaugurated several development projects, including a Dialysis Unit, and distributed welfare benefits under government schemes.
In his address, Singh recalled Manipur’s 3,000‑year history, citing the “Seven Years’ Devastation” of the 19th century as one of its most tragic periods.
He emphasized that the boundaries of Manipur were formed and safeguarded by all communities, noting that sacrifices had been made collectively to protect the state’s territory. Warning against vested interests creating confusion, he stressed: “We should first consider ourselves Indians and then Manipuris.”
Quoting a verse from the Bible, Singh urged forgiveness and reconciliation, adding that the government was taking the twin conflicts in the state very seriously. He asserted that development of India would remain incomplete without the northeast, and similarly, Manipur’s progress would be incomplete without Kangpokpi’s development. He announced new initiatives for the district, to be taken up in consultation with deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen and local MLAs.
Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen described the visit as “historic,” stating that the BJP‑led government has consistently worked for development and that peace can only be ensured through mutual love and trust among communities. She sought the support of civil society organizations, public leaders and intellectuals to bring lasting peace.
MLA Haokholet Kipgen expressed happiness at meeting his colleagues after four years, appealing to communities to forget the past and return to normalcy. He highlighted the importance of NH‑2, which he said has been the lifeline of all communities since World War II.
Manipur’s lifeline interstate bus service to resume
IMPHAL, AUG 8 (AGENCIES): Manipur’s Lifeline Opens For 1st Time Since 2023, Interstate Bus Service To ResumeManipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said it was unfortunate that some vested interest groups created confusion among people, adding there is a solution to every crisis, reports NDTV.
Manipur’s Lifeline Opens For 1st Time Since 2023, Interstate Bus Service To ResumeManipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and Deputy CM Nemcha KipgenImphal:
Manipur’s lifeline that connects the state capital Imphal with Assam’s Guwahati is now open for use by all communities, and the bus service on the National Highway between the two cities will restart, the state’s Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said today.
He made the announcement with his deputy Nemcha Kipgen.
“A historic step towards peace and normalcy in Manipur. In the presence of Hon’ble Dy. CM Smt. Nemcha Kipgen and Hon’ble NDA legislators, it was decided that the Imphal-Guwahati Bus Service will resume shortly, while the National Highway will be open to all communities,” Khemchand said.
“A step towards restoring connectivity, rebuilding trust and strengthening people-to-people bonds. Let us move forward together in peace, reconciliation and hope,” he said.
This is the first time since the Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence began in May 2023 that the chief minister formally announced the opening of the National Highway. N Biren Singh was the chief minister before Khemchand came in February this year.
The last time a similar announcement was made by the Centre following a meeting with the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) over extending the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with two dozen Kuki insurgent groups, the Kuki body had clarified there was no such thing as “free movement”.