CM Khemchand travels to Jiribam via NH-37, first since May 2023 violence

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today travelled to Jiribam district via National Highway-37, marking the first such road journey by a sitting Chief Minister since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
He was accompanied by A. Sharda Devi and a team of MLAs, including Tongbram Robindro Singh, Kongkham Robindro Singh, Sapam Ranjan Singh, Heikham Dingo Singh, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, Sapam Kunjakeshwor (Keba) Singh, Sanasam Premchandra Singh, Md. Ashab Uddin, and Sheikh Nurool Hassan. Senior officials, including the Commissioner (Home) and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, were also part of the delegation.
The journey assumes significance as movement along NH-37 and NH-2 has remained restricted for members of the Meitei community since the onset of the crisis, reportedly due to the presence of Kuki-Zo armed groups. Jiribam is located around 217 km from Imphal along NH-37, and the route passes through Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district.
The Chief Minister was accorded a reception at Leingangpokpi, near the inter-district boundary of Jiribam and Tamenglong, by the district administration. The programme was led by Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar (IAS), Superintendent of Police Prakhar Pandey (IPS), and Commandant of 87 Battalion CRPF, Haopu Karowng, along with other officials.
During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the 50-bedded district hospital at Jiribam and assured that shortages of doctors, staff, infrastructure, and residential quarters would be addressed at the earliest. He also interacted with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local leaders to assess the prevailing situation and hear their concerns.
Officials said the visit is part of the government’s broader outreach to restore confidence in violence-affected areas.
The visit also comes in the backdrop of a previous attempt in June 2024 by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to travel to Jiribam via NH-37, which was aborted after suspected militants ambushed his advance security convoy near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district, injuring security personnel.
During interactions, IDPs highlighted concerns over safety and security, seeking enhanced deployment of police and paramilitary forces in vulnerable areas. They also raised issues related to access to essential services such as food, potable water, sanitation, and healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The displaced persons further stressed the need to ensure continuity of education for children, along with livelihood support through employment opportunities, vocational training, and assistance for small-scale economic activities.
In addition, they called for legal and administrative measures, including impartial investigation into incidents linked to the violence, as well as long-term initiatives aimed at reconciliation, peace-building, and restoration of trust among affected communities.