Manipur’s new Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh made a poignant visit to Jiribam on Wednesday, reaching out to IDPs scarred by two years of ethnic violence. In mixed-community relief camps, he implored residents to transcend bitterness and collaborate on rebuilding a peaceful, prosperous future.
Jiribam, Manipur’s northeastern gateway near Assam, holds untapped commercial promise. Singh painted it as the state’s ‘Mumbai,’ but only if calm prevails. Starting at the school-turned-relief center for Meiteis, he fostered dialogue to heal trust gaps. ‘View the past two years as a nightmare—dare to awaken to progress,’ he motivated.
At Kalinagar camp with Hmar (Kuki-Zo) displaced families, Singh drew on Christian principles of forgiveness and neighborly love, even towards adversaries. His stop at violence-hit Jarolpokpi village saw community assurances of government backing, coupled with pleas for educational facilities.
Pressing on to Mongbung Meitei village, locals highlighted crumbling roads. Singh promised swift action, urging inter-community conversations. ‘Attempts to dismantle ‘Manipuri’ identity must fail. We share Indian and Manipuri roots across Naga, Kuki, and Meitei lines,’ he asserted passionately.
This outreach, just days after assuming office, signals priority on Jiribam’s revival. Officials reported steady progress on IDP housing, targeting March completion. A wheelchair donation symbolized care amid crisis. Facing reporters, Singh committed to transcending divisions for unified development, continuing rehabilitation efforts from the previous regime without rigid timelines.