CM visits Ukhrul, interacts with Kuki, Naga villagers
Khemchand stresses on dialogue to settle issues
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Imphal//Mungchan Zimik, April 17 2026: In a bid to bridge the trust deficit between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today visited various villages of Ukhrul district as a part of the trust building mission.

Khemchand stated that every community has both good and bad elements, but every common citizen and every innocent child longs for peace and a peaceful life.

At Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister was accorded a rousing reception by the District Administration, people of Ukhrul, civil society organizations (CSOs) and various village authorities at the Mini Secretariat.

CM visits Ukhrul, interacts with Kuki, Naga villagers :: Pix - DIPR

He, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs and Chief Secretary Dr PK Goel subsequently inspected the preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 at Shirui village.

Speaking at the public interaction held at DRDA Hall Hamleikhong, Ukhrul, the CM stated that conflicts can be settled through dialogues.

The CM said, recently he along with Deputy CM Losii Dikho visited Senapati district through Kangpokpi.

The team could travel without any hindrance and witnessed the people of Kangpokpi waving their hands as a mark of welcoming the State leaders, Khemchand said.

He said there were demands for opening the highway, but there was no obstruction.

The Chief Minister stated that he along with his Ministers has been working seriously to restore normalcy and to bridge the trust deficit among all communities.

He said, "We are all Indians, and by birth we are Manipuris".

He urged all the people of the State to respect the culture and tradition of every community.

The CM assured the people of Ukhrul district that NH-202 would be opened and sufficient security would be deployed along the highway for ensuring public safety.

Khemchand stated that the MLAs of Ukhrul and Kamjong district invited him for a formal discussion with the Tangkhul CSO leaders on the celebration of Shirui Lily Festival-2026.He stated that there must be peace for international rock bands and tourists from other States to come to Shirui Lily Festival.

The Chief Minister and his team also inspected the under-construction rigid pavement at Ukhrul town.

Later, they rushed to Shirui village and laid the foundation stones of Shirui Heritage village and Bakshi Ground at Vangayan Shirui village.

They also planted tree saplings at the foot of Shirui mountain.

Earlier on the way to Ukhrul, during a heartfelt exchange with a woman who broke down in tears at Thawai Kuki village, Khemchand said, "I am a human being.

My heart was truly touched.

I also felt the same pain and anguish.

"Therefore, there is no option left other than dialogue for the restoration of peace," he added.

He said with a heavy heart that violence would gravely affect generations of children.

While conveying the message of living together in harmony, he said, "Despite the prevailing sorrow and regret, we should think of the future generations and for this, elders like us should control our minds".

The Chief Minister assured the villagers that he will look into resuming normal classes for the schools.

In the presence of the local MLA, he also stated that the construction of the 'bridge' is already included in the work programme.

The Chief Minister further assured them that he would take up the issue of drinking water on priority and work toward a solution immediately after returning to Imphal.

He urged all to live in harmony considering the future of the children.

During his maiden visit to Ukhrul, the Chief Minister also made a stop at Sharkaphung, Tangkhul Naga village.

He was accorded a warm welcome by the village chief, elders, women and other residents.

Khemchand interacted with the villagers and enquired about their well-being.

While interacting with the village chief, Khemchand recalled that even World War II came to an end through continuous dialogue despite the atomic bombings.

He asked why the people of Manipur should not live in harmony this time through dialogue by forgetting the past nightmares.

The local MLA should initiate the dialogue as these villagers are his people, he added.

Calling for a peace dialogue, Khemchand stated that a dialogue must be initiated when everybody's mind is calm and cool.

The Chief Minister also expressed apprehension about the unpredictability of children's future if violence continues.

On the construction of a bridge at Sharkaphung village connecting other parts of the district, the Chief Minister directed the Chief Engineer, PWD to look into the matter and assured that the construction of the bridge will be taken up this year through various sources, he added.

Earlier on his way to Ukhrul district headquarters, Khemchand also made a stop at Shanghai village, Shokvao village and Ramva along the Imphal-Ukhrul road.

At Shanghai village, he interacted with the villagers.

During the visit, women raised concerns about the lach of potable water in the village and requested his intervention.

The Chief Minister assured them that he would tahe up the issue on priority and work toward a solution immediately after returning to Imphal.

The Chief Minister also stopped at Shohvao village where the villagers presented him with a traditional shawl and expressed their happiness over his visit.

They also shared their concerns regarding the development works undertaken by the Government in the village.

At Ramva village, he was accorded a warm welcome by elders, women and school-going children.

The villagers urged the Chief Minister to develop and upgrade the local roads.

The Chief Minister assured them of inclusive development across the State.

On his way to Ukhrul district headquarters, Chief Minister Y Khemchand was greeted by MS Deol, Executive Director, NHIDCL and his team.

Deol briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessami road construction project being undertaken by NHIDCL and apprised him of the challenges being faced on the ground.

The CM assured that these challenges would be resolved after discussions with the Chief Secretary and other officials.