Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today inaugurated a new building block of Regional College at Lilong Chajing, Imphal West, and laid the foundation stone for a Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Langthabal Kunja Toupokpi.
Addressing a gathering at the college’s indoor stadium, the Chief Minister said the government was taking steps to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur, improve public welfare and reopen national highways. He added that he had repeatedly raised the issue of restoring peace during meetings with the Prime Minister.
Referring to the recent killing of three persons, Khemchand said the incident had heightened tension in the State. He said he visited the victims’ residences at Nungsum in Imphal East and Raj Medicity Hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured.
On demands for action against Suspension of Operations (SoO)-linked armed groups, the Chief Minister said Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district had been occupied by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) following an operation involving its CoBRA team and other security forces.
Recalling his interaction with villagers, he said people had expressed opposition to gun culture, stressing that weapons would only bring further violence and suffering. He maintained that ordinary people wanted peace and warned that prolonging the crisis amid approaching elections could serve the vested interests of certain groups in both the hills and the valley.
The Chief Minister urged the Meitei/Meetei community, as the majority community, to shoulder collective responsibility in restoring peace and harmony, while stressing the need for cooperation among all communities.
Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam Singh appealed to the public to support the government’s development initiatives, expressing hope that the ongoing efforts would bring greater progress and prosperity.