Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, stated that the government’s move to hold talks with the Kuki Zo Council is the first step to remove the trust deficit that exist between the two communities in the State. It is also a step to bridge the gap between the two communities in an effort to bring peace.
The Chief Minister made the above statement while inspecting the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Khuman Lampak, Imphal, today.
During the inspection of the ISBT premises, the Chief Minister stated that it was not functional for a very long time, but under the guidance of the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla during the President’s Rule, it has been improved. And to make it more functional, the government is willing to upgrade it with assistance of the Public Works Department (PWD), he added.
While speaking during the press briefing, Yumnam Khemchand Singh stressed that there is no buffer zone in the State. The government, however identified certain sensitive areas.
He said it is a good beginning that the Kuki Zo Council is willing to hold talks after almost three years.
Further, the Chief Minister maintained that our State is inhabited by 36 different communities and our State shall remain intact. And let us forgive and forget the past for a better future, he added.
In connection with the demand of Separate Administration, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced that the Manipur’s Territorial Integrity will not be compromised. He maintained that he does not need to speak on an issue which has already been cleared by the Prime Minister.
To a question on the movement of people on NH2 (Imphal-Kohima Road), Khemchand Singh said the people are already travelling on the highway, but in lesser numbers. He said that there is still fear on people’s mind in travelling on the highway because of the trust deficit between the two communities. This is the reason why I said that removing trust deficit is my priority, he added.
He said that there is improvement in law and order situation along the Imphal-Ukhrul Road.
The briefing was attended by Thangjam ArunKumar Singh, MLA Wangkhei AC, Additional Chief Secretary, Anurag Bajpai, Director, Transport Department, Khumanthem Diana Devi, Chief Engineer (PWD) Chongtham Biswachandra Singh among others.
