UKHRUL: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, along with BJP state president A Sharda Devi and eight MLAs, on Saturday visited Jiribam district by road via National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) to assess the prevailing situation and developmental needs of the region.
Khemchand is the first Meitei political leader to travel to Jiribam by road since the outbreak of the ethnic violence on May 3, 2023. This marks his second visit to the district, his earlier visit being by helicopter.
The Chief Minister left Imphal around 7 am along with the eight MLAs — Sapam Ranjan, Tongbram Robindro, Kongkham Robindro, Sapam Kunjakeshwor, Rameshor, Nurool Hassan, Sanasam Premchandra and Asab Uddin. The delegation also included Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar and PWD Chief Engineer.CM Khemchand and his delegation were received at Leingangpokpi Police Outpost by Jiribam DC Krishna Kumar and SP Prakhar Pandey along with other officials.
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The chief minister, on a Facebook post, said a detailed review of ground realities was conducted to ensure that governance remains responsive, effective, and people-centric.
“Our collective aspiration is to restore the longstanding spirit of peace, harmony, and mutual coexistence among all communities. At the same time, we remain firmly committed to accelerating development, ensuring the effective delivery of government welfare schemes, and fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. With a balanced approach that safeguards indigenous culture while promoting progress, we reaffirm our dedication to building a peaceful, prosperous, and united Jiribam,” the chief minister posted.
Jiribam became the first district where all communities sit together in the restoration of peace after three-years of unrest.
Addressing the people during a “Community Interaction Programme” held at New Alipur Rongmei Naga village in Bidyanagar, the chief minister said that as his government completes two months in power, he decided to visit Jiribam for the second time as people belonging to different communities have agreed to sit together under one platform.
During the programme, Khemchand interacted with the internally displaced persons (IDP) belonging to the Meitei community, Kuki, Paite and Hmar tribes.
Khemchand told the IDPs that the purpose of today’s programme is to remove the trust deficit and said that his government is trying all out to help the IDPs in whatever capacity he can. “I may not fulfil all your wishes, but I will continue to help you all in whatever way I can. Everyone always wanted to return home and our government is making every effort to help the IDPs in the construction of new houses,” he said.
During his visit to the district, the chief minister inspected the 50-bedded hospital at Jiribam District Hospital at Ningshingkhul to assess its functioning, infrastructure, and preparedness in delivering essential healthcare services to the people.
“Given the critical role the hospital plays in ensuring equitable access to medical care, especially during emergencies, a detailed review was undertaken to strengthen its overall efficiency and service delivery. He also interacted with internally displaced persons residing in relief camps and assessed their conditions,” CM Khemchand wrote in another Facebook post.
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Taking note of the shortage of manpower in the hospital, the chief minister assured to frame a a comprehensive transfer policy for medical personnel soon to to ensure optimal staffing. He also assured that condition of doctors’ quarters would be improved and upgraded to support and motivate healthcare professionals.
Later in the evening, the CM attended a public meeting at New Alipur, which was attended by local residents from various communities as well as IDPs. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for several development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and public services in the district.
On his Facebook post, the chief minister expressed gratitude for the warm and cordial welcome at the Community Interaction Programme held at New Alipur Baptist Church, Kagaluang, in Jiribam district. The CM said that the gathering reflected a spirit of unity, where people from different communities came together to share their thoughts and aspirations for peace, mutual understanding, and communal harmony. He said such meaningful engagements are vital in strengthening bonds among communities and building a shared vision for a peaceful and progressive society.
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Chief Minister Khemchand said he firmly believes that these programmes should be conducted more widely and regularly to nurture goodwill, encourage dialogue, and ensure that the benefits of development and welfare initiatives reach every section of society.
The chief minister is scheduled to visit Silchar tomorrow to campaign for BJP ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. The delegation will return to Imphal on April 6.