Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Visits Jiribam District, Meets IDPs in Relief Camps
On Wednesday, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand made a significant visit to Jiribam district, located on the southern border with Assam. This trip marked his first official journey outside Imphal since taking oath as chief minister last week. During the visit, he engaged with internally displaced persons (IDPs) housed in various relief camps, urging for cooperation to restore peace and foster development in the region.
Appeals for Unity and Reconciliation at Relief Camps
Khemchand began his tour at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School campus relief camp, which shelters Meitei IDPs. He emphasized the need to bridge divisions, stating, "Jiribam is the gateway to Manipur and has the potential to become a business hub. Like Mumbai is India’s business capital, Jiribam can be Manipur’s Mumbai. For business to flourish, peace has to come first." He then proceeded to the Kalinagar relief camp, home to Hmar tribal IDPs under the Kuki-Zo-Hmar umbrella community. There, he appealed for reconciliation, encouraging people to move past the conflicts of the last two years. "Let us consider the last two years was a nightmare, let us forget it and have the courage to move forward towards peace and development," he said, referencing Christian teachings on forgiveness and love for neighbors and enemies.
Engagement with Villages and Calls for a Unified Manipur
The chief minister also visited Jarolpokpi Hmar village, which experienced violence during the conflict. This marked his second visit to Kuki-Zo-Hmar villages since December 8, following a prior trip to Litan Sareikhong in Ukhrul district. In Jarolpokpi, Khemchand expressed concern over attempts to undermine the concept of Manipuri identity. "I feel someone is trying to destroy the concept of Manipuri. First, we are Indian and then we are Manipuri. We can be Manipuri Naga, Manipuri Kuki, and Manipuri Meitei. We need to rebuild the concept of Manipuri," he told villagers. Villagers responded with support for his government and highlighted local needs, such as the construction of a school building.
Additionally, Khemchand visited Mongbung Meitei village, where he reiterated the importance of dialogue to reduce mistrust. He emphasized Jiribam's strategic importance, noting, "Since I took oath as chief minister last week, my trip to Jiribam is the first one outside Imphal. I feel Jiribam is the most important place in Manipur and has the potential to become a business centre. For Jiribam to become a business hub, peace is essential."
Infrastructure Development and Administrative Efforts
During his visit, Khemchand laid the foundation stone for the IRB Barracks at the 87-Bn CRPF headquarters. He assured that the district administration is actively addressing the concerns of IDPs, with houses for homeless IDPs under construction and expected to be completed by March. Speaking to the media on the sidelines, he reaffirmed his commitment to a unified Manipur that transcends caste and community lines, aiming to foster an environment conducive to peace and economic growth.
