Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jul 27: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday reiterated that restoring lasting peace and communal harmony remains the government's foremost priority, saying sustainable development can only be achieved once normalcy returns to the state after nearly three years of ethnic unrest.
Speaking after inaugurating several infrastructure projects in the Andro Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister said the prolonged conflict has severely impacted social cohesion, disrupted the education of young people and affected the state's overall economic growth.
Appealing to people across both the hill and valley regions, Singh urged all communities to work together to restore peace and rebuild the spirit of coexistence that prevailed before May 3, 2023, when the ethnic violence began.
He said his government is committed to recreating the environment in which all 36 communities of Manipur lived together peacefully, adding that collective efforts are essential to restore unity and shared progress across the state.
During the visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated a newly constructed Ima Market, an all-women's marketplace in Andro, along with two newly built bridges across the Thoubal River. The projects were inaugurated in the presence of Andro MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar.
Singh noted that the visit was his second to Andro since assuming office under the new government on February 4, reflecting the administration's commitment to accelerating development in the constituency.
Describing Andro as one of Manipur's most significant cultural and historical centres, the Chief Minister highlighted its unique natural fire phenomenon, which attracts researchers and tourists from across India and abroad.
He also said Andro is regarded as one of Asia's oldest settlements, possessing immense archaeological, historical and cultural importance, and therefore requires focused efforts for preservation as well as development.
Announcing a major infrastructure initiative, Singh said the state government would allocate ?10 crore for the construction and upgrading of village roads across the constituency to improve connectivity.
He further acknowledged the absence of a dedicated Municipal Council office in Andro and assured residents that the government would take steps to establish one.
Addressing the gathering, local MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar said development work in the constituency had slowed considerably due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ethnic conflict and other unforeseen challenges. He expressed confidence that with the new government in place, stalled projects would gather momentum and development activities would accelerate.
During the programme, representatives of welfare organisations, youth clubs and various local bodies submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister seeking improved roads, construction of a Municipal Council office, retaining walls, appointment of primary school teachers and the implementation of additional development projects for the constituency.
The event was attended by Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Lairenlakpam Nivedita, senior officials from the Planning Department and district administration, public representatives and a large number of local residents.