Crisis would have been resolved under Nipamacha: Lukhoi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 17 2025: Former minister Oinam Lukhoi on Thursday said that if a leader of the calibre of former chief minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh were at the helm, the ongoing crisis in the state would have been resolved with ease.

He made the remark during the 13th death anniversary observance of the former chief minister, organised by Wahengbam Nipamacha Memorial Trust at his Wangoi Wahengbam Leikai residence.

The memorial event was attended by former minister Dr Moirangthem Nara, Wangoi Municipal Council former councillor and Trust president W Basanta, and Senior Citizen for Society, Wangoi Chapter member Kh Sarat, besides several colleagues of the former chief minister.

Recalling his close association with the former chief minister, Lukhoi said Nipamacha treated him like his own son and guided him in his early political life.

Describing him as a diplomatic yet outspoken leader, he said Nipamacha never hesitated to speak his mind.

He added that if Nipamacha or someone with similar leadership qualities had been chief minister, the present crisis would not have lingered so long.

He cited the former chief minister's role in resolving the Kuki-Paite clash in Churachandpur by bringing both communities to the negotiating table despite MLAs from the clash divide taking opposing stands.

He said that this was an example of how true leadership can restore peace through communication and understanding.

Reflecting on his own tenure as MLA of Wangoi, Lukhoi said that he tried his best for the constituency's development.

He had proposed the upgrade of Mayai Lambi to a two-lane national highway, but the project got delayed due to land acquisition and compensation issues.

Since losing the last election, he said that he has no knowledge of the current progress but expressed concern over the hardships people face while using the highway.

He also questioned why nine water supply schemes taken up during his time were not functioning though they were almost at the stage of commissioning during his tenure.

Former minister Dr M Nara remembered Nipamacha as a leader who never discriminated based on age or caste.

He credited the former chief minister for quashing the arrest warrant issued against Hijam Irawat and renaming the Keishamthong-Hiyangthang Road as Irawat Road.

As part of the observance, COHSEM's Higher Secondary Examination 2025 position holders namely Anie Mutum, who secured 12th position in the Science stream, and Sagolsem Inungnganbi, 3rd rank in Arts stream, were felicitated.

Ten elders were given old age cards, and ration items donated to the Old Age Home at Mongsangei.

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