"Govt committed to holistic development of every district"
CM extends healing touch to diverse communities of Jiribam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2026: In a first since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, Chief Minister Y Khemchand travelled to Jiribam district by road via National Highway 37 today.

The route passes through several Kuki-inhabited areas, making the Chief Minister's visit to Jiribam by road a significant political and administrative outreach to the region.

This marks his second visit to Jiribam since assuming the office of Chief Minister on February 4, this year.

Accompanied by BJP Manipur president A Sharda Devi and several BJP MLAs, the Chief Minister reached Jiribam around 1.30 pm as a part of a three-day visit to the district.

Govt committed to holistic development of every district

The Chief Minister was joined by nine MLAs viz; T Robindro, K Robindro, S Ranjan, H Dingo, L Rame-shwar, S Kunjakeshwar (Keba), S Premchandra, Ashab Uddin, and Sheikh Noorul Hassan.

Also accompanying the team were the Commissioner (Home) and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) .

Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister was received by Jiribam district administration and police.

The Chief Minister met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people of different communities at New Alipur Naga village.

The community interaction programme saw parti- cipation from leaders and members of the Paite, Thadou, Meetei, and Hmar communities, marking one of the first joint engagements in the State since May 3, 2023 .

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that Jiribam has made history by becoming the first district in Manipur where all communities have come together after three years of unrest.

He said that he decided to visit Jiribam for the second time in less than two months as people from different communities have agreed to come together on a single platform.

"The people of Jiribam are the most broad-minded in the State," he remarked.

During the programme, Khemchand also interacted with internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Meitei, Kuki, Paite, and Hmar communities, listening to their grievances.

A Meitei woman IDP shared her fear of returning home, while a young Hmar tribal girl spoke about the difficulties of securing a Government job.

He assured the IDPs that the purpose of today's programme was to bridge the trust deficit.

Expressing empathy for those who have lost their homes and property, the Chief Minister emphasised that rebuilding a peaceful Manipur requires collective effort.

Peace is the foundation for development, he stated, expressing gratitude to all communities for their cooperation and willingness to restore harmony.

A Kuki village leader told the Chief Minister that he was ready to return home, expressing trust in the State Government, according to a statement from the CM Secretariat.

He also praised the majority Meitei community in Jiribam as being broad-minded.

A Paite villager also urged the Chief Minister to continue the peace-building efforts, acknowledging the support of Meitei local leaders in Jiribam for the peace process.

After listening to their concerns, Khemchand assured that his Government is doing everything possible to assist the IDPs in any way it can.

"I may not be able to fulfill all your wishes, but I will continue to support you in every way possible.

Everyone wants to return home, and our Government is making every effort to assist the IDPs in building new houses," he said.

SK Thadou, a participant in the meeting, described the interaction as a "very wonderful moment" and expres- sed hope that it would strengthen unity and rebuild trust among the communities.

Earlier there was a lack of connectivity and trust, but efforts are now underway to restore relationships, he said, welcoming the move of the Government to facilitate inter-community harmony TT Muan, a member of the Paite community, also welcomed the Chief Minister's visit, calling it the first such outreach since the crisis began.

He appreciated the district administration's support in rehabilitation efforts, including the reconstruction of around 30 houses for IDPs.

Muan also raised key concerns in a memorandum submitted to the authorities, highlighting the need for drinking water facilities, livelihood support, and assistance in rebuilding homes.

He pointed out that many IDPs have lost their sources of income and continue to struggle for basic survival.

The financial assistance allocated for house reconstruction has already been utilized, with reports submitted to the district administration, he added.

Linda, a Hmar community member, shared her personal ordeal, stating that she has been displaced since May 3, 2023, and this was only her second visit back to the area.

She expressed hope that such interactions would pave the way for their safe return.

Recalling the hardships faced during displacement, Linda mentioned that many families have been forced to live outside Manipur under difficult conditions.

She also highlighted the emotional toll, including the loss of loved ones away from home and the inability to perform last rites in their native place.

She appealed to the Government to introduce a monthly financial support scheme for displaced families, as many continue to survive hand-to-mouth without a stable source of income.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today addressed a historic public meeting at New Alipur village, Jiribam.

The event, which saw massive participation from diverse ethnic groups including Meitei, Meitei Pangal, Thadou, Hmar, Paite, and others, was described as the first of its kind following the State's recent period of unrest.

In his address, Chief Minister Y Khemchand emphasized the significance of the gathering, saying that it marked a turning point in the State's journey toward peace.

"This meeting in Jiribam, where all communities have come together as one, is a historic first for Manipur since the unrest began.

It reflects our collective desire for harmony and a shared future," Khemchand stated.

Addressing the long-standing demands of the district, the Chief Minister committed to several key infrastructure improvements including roads, bridges, water supply, electricity and education.

The meeting concluded with a strong message of unity.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the people of Jiribam for their resilience and for setting an example of communal harmony for the rest of the State.