UKHRUL: The Manipur government on Saturday announced the reopening of National Highways in the state for free movement of people from all communities and the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur bus service.
The announcement was made jointly by chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholhet Kipgen at Kangpokpi district headquarters during the chief minister’s visit to the district.
The government in a press release described the move as part of its efforts to restore peace, stability and normalcy in the state.
During the visit, Khemchand held meetings with community leaders and inaugurated several development projects besides distributing benefits under various government schemes.
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Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said the boundaries of Manipur had been formed and protected by all communities and that people from different communities had made sacrifices to safeguard the state’s territory.
He said it was unfortunate that some vested interest groups were attempting to create confusion among the people, but maintained that there was a solution to every crisis.
Khemchand appealed to all communities to trust and support one another. He said people should consider themselves Indians first and Manipuris thereafter, expressing concern that people had become hesitant to identify themselves as Manipuris.
He also said the development of India would remain incomplete without the development of the Northeast, while Manipur’s development would remain incomplete without the development of Kangpokpi district.
Referring to the ongoing conflict, the chief minister said the government was taking the situation seriously and urged people to forgive and forget and work towards restoring normalcy.
Quoting a verse from the Bible during the inauguration of a dialysis unit, Khemchand also appealed for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen described the occasion as historic and said the BJP-led government had been consistently working towards development in the state.
She said complete development of Manipur was possible only when both the valley and hill areas progressed equally.
Kipgen also said peace could be achieved through mutual love and trust among communities and sought the support of civil society organisations, public leaders and intellectuals in bringing lasting peace to the state.
Saitu MLA Haokholhet Kipgen said National Highway-2 had remained a lifeline for all communities in the state since World War II. He appealed to all communities and those involved in the conflict to leave the past behind and return to normalcy.
The chief minister announced that Kangpokpi District Hospital would be upgraded to a 100-bed hospital with a CT scan facility. Primary Health Centres would also be constructed at Motbung and T. Waichong, while the Community Health Centre at Saikul would be upgraded.
A major retaining wall would be constructed along rivers in Kangpokpi district as part of flood-control measures, he said.
New sports facilities would also be developed in the district in consultation with the deputy chief minister and MLAs. Construction of a City Convention Hall-cum-Guest House would begin this year, while a dedicated computerised examination centre would also be established.
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During the visit, the chief minister inaugurated a dialysis unit at Kangpokpi District Hospital and a District Blood Storage facility. He also handed over ambulances to the chief medical officer, Kangpokpi.
Benefits under various government schemes, including PM-JAY, TB Mukt Bharat, Mission Vatsalya, PM-Kisan, PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM, were distributed to beneficiaries. Assistance was also provided to internally displaced persons and dialysis patients.
Khemchand also felicitated two young sportspersons, including a footballer and a badminton player, for their performances in international competitions.
The chief minister was accompanied by several MLAs, senior officials and heads of departments during the visit.
