Hours after his inauguration as chief minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemhand Singh called for cooperation between the Kuki and Meitei communities, who have been in conflict since May 2023. He stressed the importance of peace for development, addressing party members at the BJP office and urging communities to forgive past grievances. Khemchand highlighted the hardships faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) from both communities, sharing accounts from relief camps where children expressed a desire to return home. He pointed out the need for dialogue to identify and eliminate obstacles to peace, warning that a lack of cooperation would delay the development of a “Viksit” (developed) Manipur. The chief minister affirmed his commitment to advancing the state’s development and prosperity, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an inclusive economic growth while preserving Manipur’s cultural heritage. He promised to approach this responsibility with sincerity and dedication, acknowledging the trust placed in him.
Imphal