Merely preaching integrity will not help : Khemchand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Moirang, September 25 2026: Advocating communal harmony, Chief Minister Y Khemchand has stated that merely preaching for the territorial integrity of Manipur in the valley districts will not help safeguard the State.

He made the statement while attending the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, 2026 held at Indian National Army (INA) Martyr's Memorial Complex Hall at Moirang in Bishnupur district, today.

Addressing the function organised by Bishnupur district administration, the Chief Minister said that protecting every community is essential in promoting communal harmony and securing the future of the State.

Merely preaching integrity will not help : Khemchand

Merely speaking for peace without willing to go to the hill districts will not safeguard the State, he reasoned.

The Chief Minister encouraged people who advocate protection of Manipur to also visit the hill areas, stressing that the State is home to 36 different communities that have safeguarded its territorial integrity and must continue to uphold and protect it.

Khemchand informed the gathering that public transport services along National Highway-2, connecting Imphal with Guwahati via Dimapur, have resumed.

He maintained that the unprecedented crisis in the State has had a severe impact on the State's economy, resulting in a substantial loss of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue and added that frequent bandhs and blockades in the State have resulted in a loss of around Rs 25 crore to Rs 30 crore per day in tax revenue to the State Government.

Saying that differences can always be resolved through dialogue, he appealed to people not to resort to agitations that disrupt normal day-to-day activities.

Recalling his visit to Jiribam district, the Chief Minister said that the trust deficit among different communities in the aftermath of the crisis had been substantially bridged.

Expressing deep anguish over the tragic incident at Tronglaobi that occurred shortly after his visit to Jiribam and claimed the lives of two siblings in April this year, he said that certain vested interests continue to work against the State Government's efforts to restore lasting peace and normalcy.

Khemchand Singh stated that the crisis has severely affected families who depend on daily wages for their livelihood.

He said that, following discussions during the recently concluded 8th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the State Government has decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each to around 3,00,050 families.

He added that the necessary budgetary provision has been earmarked for implementation of the assistance.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of the State to make concerted efforts to preserve the unity and integrity of Manipur.

He also urged all sections of society to set aside their differences and work together in the larger interest of the State.

Khemchand, meanwhile, announced that a special financial assistance scheme would be introduced for women street vendors in the State before Ningol Chakkouba 2026 to help them meet their families' daily needs.

He added that those who have not yet registered for the scheme may do so through their respective MLAs.

The Chief Minister said that the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being observed across the country to mark 25 years of public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to carry forward the spirit of public service and good governance.

During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed benefits under various Government schemes to eligible beneficiaries from the district.

He also visited and interacted with people at more than 25 service counters and stalls showcasing various schemes and services of Government departments and institutions.

The programme was also attended by MLAs Thongam Shanti and Tongbram Robindro Singh and senior officials of various Government depart- ments and local residents, among others.