Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today said that a united Manipur is the only way forward for all communities inhabited in the state. He said that Manipur’s identity and territorial integrity have been preserved through the ages by collective sacrifices of all its 36 communities.
Khemchand Singh said this today during the inauguration-cum-reception programme of the newly constructed Girls’ Hostel of the Mission Blind School at Laiching Heikakpokpi in Tengnoupal, a tribal dominated district. He urged everyone to love the state built by our forefathers.
Referring to the diverse communities residing around Heikakpokpi, the Chief Minister stressed that the State can progress only through unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Drawing a comparison with Singapore, he said that development is possible only when people rise above community divisions and work together with a shared identity.
Appealing for lasting peace, Shri Khemchand Singh said that violence can never provide a solution and urged all sections of society to resolve differences through dialogue. He said that the state’s economy has been hit hard due to the current crisis.
The Chief Minister noted that signs of normalcy have begun to emerge after more than three years of conflict and called upon everyone to safeguard the ongoing peace process for the benefit of future generations. He said that many Kukis have started travelling to Imphal to board flights and many groups have met him to discuss about peace.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that the State Government would upgrade the Mission Blind school from the existing Class VIII to Class X to ensure that visually impaired students need not shift to other institutions to continue their education. He directed the Director of Social Welfare to expedite the proposal.
The programme also featured cultural performances by the Maring, Kom and Tarao tribals, along with performances by students of the Mission Blind School. On the occasion, organisers and local representatives submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister seeking government intervention on various developmental issues.
The function was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Tengnoupal Saurabh Yadav; Col Amit Mane; Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman, Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War 1891; Serto Ahao Kom, President, Kom Union Manipur; Karung Pareng Kom, Headmaster, Mission Blind School; officials of Social Welfare Department; officials, community leaders, faculties, students and local residents among others.
