In a significant first visit since his appointment, Y. Khemchand Singh, the newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Manipur, traveled to the Jiribam District today.
His visit comes on the heels of political upheaval in the state, following the collapse of N. Biren Singh’s government and the subsequent imposition of President’s Rule. Khemchand took office on February 4, 2026, pledging to address the pressing issues facing the state.
Accompanying him were Achab Uddin, the local MLA of Jiribam; Dr. Punit Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary; and a team of government officials, including N. Ashok Kumar, IAS, the Commissioner to the Chief Minister; Y. Nelson, MCS, Joint Secretary to the CM; and Ch. Chidananda Singh, the Political Advisor. The Chief Minister was received at the helipad in Jiribam by the District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar, IAS, along with Superintendent of Police Prakhar Pandey, IPS, and Th. Manoranjan Singh, the Additional Deputy Commissioner.
From the helipad, the Chief Minister’s convoy proceeded to the PWD Guest House in Jiribam, where local civil society leaders accorded him a warm reception.
During his time at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp, Khemchand met with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and took the time to interact personally with those impacted by the violence. He provided a wheelchair to an elderly woman in need.
His visit continued at Blooming Flower English School in Kalinagar, which had suffered damage during the recent unrest. In an effort aim at reconciliation, Khemchand met with leaders from the Hmar community, urging them to promote trust and unity among all groups. “Building trust is essential for restoring peace,” he conveyed, stressing the importance of moving beyond past grievances.
“Let us consider the last two years was a nightmare, let us forget it and have the courage to move forward towards peace and development,” he said. As the Hmar IDPs were all Christians, Khemchand said that Christianity teaches forgiveness and fostering love for neighbours and even enemies.
The Chief Minister then traveled to Jairolpokpi Village, where he met the family of a Hmar woman tragically killed in a night raid, leaving her husband and three children behind. Khemchand expressed his condolences and assured the bereaved family that each of the three children would receive financial aid of four thousand rupees for their education, along with other government support that could be made available.
In an exclusive interview with media persons, Khemchand articulated his vision for Manipur, stating, “First of all, we are all Indian, and everyone living in Manipur is a Manipuri. The unique identities—Naga, Kuki, and Meitei—should not create divisiveness. Instead, we must journey towards oneness.” Addressing the concerns regarding demands for separate representations among communities, he stressed his commitment to a unified Manipur, free from caste and community lines.
On the topic of the IDP resettlement process, Khemchand noted that efforts had already begun during the President’s Rule in Manipur. He indicated that while it is still early in his tenure to announce specific timelines or methods for resolution, his government is dedicated to addressing these challenges.
The Chief Minister then visited Mongbung Meitei village and interacted with the villagers.
The villagers requested the government to repair the existing village road. Giving assurance to develop the road, Khemchand told the villagers that both sides should start interacting each other in order to remove the trust deficit.
“Since I took oath as chief minister last week, my trip to Jiribam is the first one outside Imphal. I feel Jiribam is the most important place in Manipur and has the potential to become a business centre. For Jiribam to become a business hub, peace is essential,” he added.
The Chief Minister told the IDPs that their concerns are being addressed by the district administration. He said that the houses are being constructed for the homeless IDPs and the houses are expected to be completed by March.
The Chief Minister also laid the Foundation Stone of the IRB Barracks at the 87-Bn CRPF HQ.