Imphal, May 22, 2026: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday appealed to the people of the state not to resort to bandhs and blockades, stressing that such protests severely affect daily wage earners and worsen the economic difficulties already faced by the state amid the ongoing unrest.
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| Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh addresses a gathering during the inauguration of the RCC bridge over the Nambul River at Akham Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. (Image: X/YKhemchandSingh) |
The chief minister made the remarks while inaugurating an RCC bridge over the Nambul River at Akham Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district under the Lamsang Assembly Constituency.
Addressing the gathering, Singh urged citizens to come forward for dialogue and resolve differences through mutual understanding instead of disruptive protests and shutdowns.
“Enforcing bandhs and blockades out of anger toward the government only leads to hardship, particularly for the daily wage earners,” Singh said during the event.
The chief minister noted that repeated shutdowns and road blockades have affected normal life, disrupted transportation and weakened economic activities across the state.
Speaking about the prevailing situation in Manipur, Singh referred to his recent visits to violence-affected Jiribam district. He said he had travelled there twice — first by helicopter and later by road — and interacted with members of different communities, including Kuki, Paite, Hmar and Meitei groups.
According to the chief minister, people from different communities gathered together at the grassroots level during his visit and interacted peacefully.
“All are having cordial relations,” Singh said, while emphasising the importance of maintaining communal harmony and avoiding further escalation of tensions.
He also recalled the bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district in April, in which two children lost their lives. The incident, he said, caused deep grief across the state and led to economic disruptions due to the shutdowns and bandhs that followed.
“The incident caused disruptions to the economy of the state due to shutdowns and bandhs,” he added.
Appealing for restraint, the chief minister urged people to address frustrations or anger toward the government through talks and constructive engagement rather than actions that adversely affect ordinary citizens.
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Later, in a social media post, Singh said the newly inaugurated RCC bridge would improve connectivity between key areas, facilitate the movement of people and goods, strengthen local markets and contribute to economic growth and inclusive development.
He reiterated that the state government remains committed to enhancing road connectivity and building quality infrastructure for the welfare and progress of the people of Manipur.
The inauguration programme was attended by Lamsang MLA S. Rajen Singh, local leaders and government officials.
