Imphal, February 7: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand on Friday met a delegation of Naga hill leaders from Tamenglong and Noney districts at his office in Imphal, where discussions centred on infrastructure development, connectivity, and the government's vision for inclusive growth in the hill regions of the state.
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| Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand with a delegation of Naga Hill leaders from Tamenglong and Noney districts at his office in Imphal. (Image:facebook.com/YKhemchandSingh) |
The delegation was led by S. Kamei and L. Kamei, who called on the Chief Minister to discuss developmental priorities and the aspirations of the people living in the two districts. The meeting forms part of the state government's ongoing engagement with community leaders to strengthen cooperation and ensure that development initiatives address the needs of remote and underserved areas.
During the interaction, Chief Minister Khemchand highlighted the Union Government's emphasis on infrastructure-driven growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to the Centre's development agenda, he said the country is moving ahead on what he described as a "Reform Express", driven by transformative infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, boosting economic activity, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens across the country.
The Chief Minister particularly emphasised the significance of the Imphal–Silchar railway line, one of the major infrastructure projects being implemented in the North East. He noted that the railway line, which passes through Tamenglong district, is expected to become a catalyst for economic transformation in the region by significantly improving connectivity between Manipur and neighbouring states.
According to Khemchand, the project is expected to reduce travel time, improve transportation of goods and passengers, promote tourism, and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and employment. He said the railway corridor would also facilitate easier access to markets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government services for people living in remote hill districts.
The discussions also focused on the importance of people-centric governance and balanced regional development. The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every part of Manipur, particularly the hill districts, through improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and enhanced public services.
Members of the delegation expressed their appreciation for the government's developmental initiatives and conveyed the aspirations of the people of Tamenglong and Noney for faster implementation of infrastructure projects and greater economic opportunities. They also reaffirmed their support for initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth and improving the overall quality of life in the region.
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Thanking the delegation for their warm wishes and constructive interaction, Chief Minister Khemchand said sustained cooperation between the government and local communities is essential for achieving long-term progress. He assured the visiting leaders that the government would continue to prioritise infrastructure development as a key driver of social and economic advancement.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening regional integration, improving connectivity, and ensuring that development reaches even the most remote areas of Manipur. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Imphal–Silchar railway line, would play a transformative role in unlocking the development potential of the state's hill districts and contribute to a more prosperous and connected Manipur.
