Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today spoke on the importance of restoring lasting peace and normalcy in the State while sharing his recent experiences from visits to conflict-affected areas during the 8th Foundation Day celebration of the Chingamakha Nambul Mapal Development Committee (C.N.M.D.C.) at Chingamakha Yanglem Leikai Nambul Mapal, Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister recalled his recent visits to Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Senapati and Ukhrul, where he witnessed encouraging signs of reconciliation among different communities. He said Kuki, Paite, Hmar and Meitei communities in Jiribam have resumed living together peacefully, sharing meals and returning to their homes, and added that he himself had lunch with members of the different communities. However, he expressed concern that a bomb blast at Tronglaobi the following day claimed the lives of two children and seriously injured their mother, causing the situation to deteriorate once again.
The Chief Minister said that while the Government is making every effort to restore normalcy, lasting peace requires the cooperation of all sections of society. He observed that a few people continue to oppose peace because they benefit from the conflict and stressed the need to expose such vested interests and work collectively towards restoring normalcy.
During the programme, Yumnam Khemchand distributed cash prizes and certificates to meritorious students of Class X and XII from both the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He also urged the residents of Chingamakha Yanglem Leikai Nambul Mapal to maintain cleanliness in the locality and its internal roads through active community participation.
Dr. Sanasam Shantikumar Singh, President, C.N.M.D.C.; Thokchom Eliza Devi, Caretaker Councillor, Ward No. 16; residents of Chingamakha Yanglem Leikai Nambul Mapal, and other dignitaries attended the function.
