Yumnam Khemchand Singh today appealed to the people of Manipur to refrain from enforcing bandhs and blockades, stating that such protests disproportionately affect daily wage earners and further strain the state’s economy already impacted by the ongoing unrest.
Speaking at the inauguration of three newly constructed bridges in Imphal West district, the Chief Minister urged citizens to resolve grievances through dialogue instead of disruptive protests.
“Enforcing bandhs and blockades out of anger toward the government only leads to hardship, particularly for daily wage earners,” he said while inaugurating an RCC bridge over the Nambul River at Akham Mayai Leikai in the Lamsang Assembly Constituency.
Referring to his visits to violence-affected Jiribam district, Khemchand Singh said he had travelled there twice — initially by helicopter and later by road — and interacted with various communities, including Kuki, Paite, Hmar and Meitei groups. He noted that people at the grassroots level were maintaining cordial relations despite the prevailing tensions.
The Chief Minister also recalled the April bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, in which two children were killed, stating that the incident had triggered widespread grief and economic disruptions due to subsequent shutdowns and bandhs across the state.
Appealing for restraint, he said anger or frustration against the government should be addressed through discussions and mutual understanding rather than through protests that disrupt public life and economic activities.
As part of the day’s programme, Khemchand Singh, accompanied by MLA Rajen Singh, inaugurated three bridges aimed at improving connectivity and transportation in Imphal West district.
The projects included a 27-metre RCC bridge over the Nambul River at Akham Mayai Leikai, constructed at a sanctioned cost of Rs 300 lakh. The bridge is expected to improve connectivity among Akham, Lambal, Lamsang, Heibongpokpi, Iamlongei, Singda, Lamdeng, Khonghampat and adjoining areas.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a 10-metre pucca bridge over the Maklang River near Maklang Bazar on the Imphal–Sangaithel Road, constructed at a cost of Rs 200 lakh. The bridge is expected to benefit residents of Patsoi, Sangaithel and nearby areas by improving access to important institutions and public facilities.
Another 10-metre pucca bridge over the Merakhong stream at Salam Mamang Leikai, built at a sanctioned cost of Rs 200 lakh, was also inaugurated. The bridge is expected to strengthen connectivity to areas including Maklang, Tharoijam, Awang Khunou, Luker, Patsoi, Sangaithel, Kachikhul, Karong, Tairenpokpi, Phayeng, Kha Leirenkabi and Langjing Achouba.
The bridge will also improve access to key institutions and facilities such as Central Agricultural University, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, MIT Takyel, the DC Office Complex, DBS Langjing, the railway line and Manipur Olympian Park.
In a social media post later in the day, the Chief Minister said the newly inaugurated infrastructure projects would ease the movement of people and goods, support local markets and strengthen regional connectivity. He added that the government remained committed to building quality infrastructure for the welfare and progress of the people of Manipur.