Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today said that peace is essential for the progress and development of Manipur. Speaking at the 5th Foundation Day Celebration of ELITE TV (a local TV channel) held at Imphal, he referred to his visit to Churachandpur earlier in the day and said he was encouraged to see that the district was no longer affected by the disruptions which was witnessed during the height of the crisis.
Reiterating that dialogue is the only way forward to restore lasting peace in the State, the Chief Minister recalled his interaction with media persons at Churachandpur, where a smiling reporter asked him what is the roadmap to peace. “To this, I had remarked – Your smile is the roadmap to peace”, he said.
Stressing that development cannot take place without peace, Khemchand Singh said that the people of Manipur desire an end to the prolonged crisis and wish to move forward together. He however, observed that a few individuals continue to benefit from the prevailing chaotic situation and therefore do not want the peace to return. He urged the people not to allow such vested interests to derail the collective efforts towards restoring peace and ensuring the State’s progress. He said that peace breakers will soon be identified and action will be taken against them.
The Chief Minister said that the crisis has hit hard the State’s economy and government’s revenue collection. He also added that younger generations, poor and daily bread earners are the ones who suffered most during the crisis. The students are also facing lot of hardship because of the unrest in the state, he added.
The function was also attended by MLA Khumukcham Joykisan Singh, Director (IPR) Th Charanjeet, Editor of ELITE TV Jit Ningomba attended the function. Among others present were media professionals, civil society representatives, government officials and well-wishers.
