Sloganeering only in the valley will not bring lasting peace : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has stated that sloganeering for unity and peace only in the valley districts would not bring lasting peace to the State.

The Chief Minister made this statement at Seva Jyoti Yatra (foot march) held as a part of Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at historic Kangla fort, in commemoration of the completion of 25 years of uninterrupted public service of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The valley constitutes only 8 per cent of the total geographical area of Manipur, said Khemchand and stressed the need to adopt a practical approach by reaching out and visiting the people in the hills, just as the kings used to frequently visit the hill areas of the State when Manipur was a kingdom.

Sloganeering only in the valley will not bring lasting peace : CM

He stated that the 36 different communities residing in the State must stand united for a common cause to help bring peace, safeguard the integrity of Manipur and collectively contribute towards fulfilling the vision of a Viksit Bharat while making Manipur a Viksit Manipur.

Khemchand Singh reiterated that the crisis that broke out in 2023 had severely affected the State's economy.

He stated that the crisis had resulted in an estimated loss of above Rs 1,200 crore in GST revenue during the years 2023-2026.He added that the State had incurred losses of around Rs 20 to Rs 25 crore per day due to bandhs and blockades.

Speaking on Narendra Modi's vision of transforming the Nation, he stated that, before he became the Prime Minister of the country, India stood at the 11th position in terms of global economy.

He added that, after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, India has become the 4th largest economy in the world, making it one of the largest economies in the world.

He added that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 aims to build a strong India by the time the country attains 100 years of independence.

The Prime Minister has become a renowned and influential leader globally, he added.

The Chief Minister stated that just as the Prime Minister was leading the Nation towards greater heights of development and progress, the people of Manipur must also unite and make collective and concerted efforts to advance the State towards development and peace.

Lauding Narendra Modi for the significant developmental initiatives and achievements witnessed in the State, he said that under Prime Minister's leadership, railway connectivity had reached Khongsang in Tamenglong district, thereby improving connectivity and ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the people of the State.

He also stated that a National Sports University (NSU), the first and only university of its kind in the country, had been established in Manipur apart from the establishment of Churachandpur Medical College in Churachandpur.

The Chief Minister stated that access to potable water in the remote areas of the State had increased substantially, from 6 per cent earlier to nearly 80 per cent at present.

He added that, out of the ongoing 240-km border fencing work, at an estimated cost of around Rs 3,223 crore, fencing of 55 kms had already been completed, while piers for another 80 kms had been erected and were ready for the fencing work.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Manipur to resolve any differences through dialogue rather than resorting to agitation, which disrupts the normal functioning of the State.

Rajya Sabha Member Adhikarimayum Sharda lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiatives taken under his leadership in formulating various schemes that are benefiting people at the grassroots level.

She added that the Prime Minister's work primarily focuses on the upliftment of the weaker sections of society.

Sharda said that the Prime Minister has undertaken several significant initiatives to promote women-led development in the country.

She also appealed to the public to extend their cooperation to the State Government's initiatives aimed at bringing peace in the State.

During the Seva Jyoti Yatra, the Chief Minister led other dignitaries carrying torches in their hands in a foot march from the main venue to the Northern Gate of Kangla.

Art & Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken, MLAs, Chief Secretary, senior administrative officers, staff and public also attended the programme.