Jiribam, February 11: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday visited Jiribam district, becoming the first sitting Chief Minister to do so since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
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| Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is welcomed with a bouquet upon his arrival in Jiribam, as security personnel stand by near the helicopter. (Image: facebook.com/YKhemchandSingh) |
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister paid tributes to Deendayal Upadhyaya on his Punyatithi at the PWD Guest House and was received by senior civil and military officials.
Reaffirming his commitment to the ideals of Antyodaya and dedicated public service, Khemchand stated that his visit aims to strengthen administrative coordination and promote people-centric governance, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.
As part of a major peace outreach initiative, Khemchand interacted with Kuki-Zo and Hmar community leaders and local representatives, urging all communities to move beyond the painful phase of conflict and work collectively towards lasting peace and development. He described Jiribam as the gateway to Manipur and assured efforts to develop it into a business hub.
The Chief Minister also visited Jairalpokpi village, which witnessed violence during the 2023 clashes, and met affected families, including the relatives of Zosangkim, a Hmar woman who was brutally killed during the unrest.
In addition, the Chief Minister visited the Relief Centre at Jiribam Higher Secondary School, accompanied by the local MLA, the Chief Secretary, the Home Commissioner and district officials. He personally interacted with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), listened to their grievances and reviewed arrangements for both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.
Describing each displaced family’s experience as one of pain, resilience and hope, Khemchand directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted provision of essential services, including food, healthcare, sanitation, education and security.
He later visited the Hmar Relief Centre at Blooming Flower English School in Kalinagar, where he met Hmar IDPs and assured them that the State Government is committed to facilitating their safe, secure and dignified return at the earliest. He reiterated that restoring normalcy, rebuilding trust and ensuring peaceful coexistence remain top priorities.
The visit is seen as a significant step in rebuilding trust and strengthening reconciliation efforts in the violence-affected district.
