Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Sep 22: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday appealed to people to put aside political differences and work collectively to restore peace in the state, keeping the future of the younger generation in mind.
Addressing an inauguration programme at Arapti Lilong Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal East district, Singh said people on both sides affected by the ethnic conflict had been facing hardships.
The Chief Minister inaugurated five development projects at different locations under the Keirao Assembly constituency during the programme.
Singh also interacted with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the ethnic violence and heard their concerns. After some of them expressed their desire to return to their respective homes, he assured them that every possible effort would be made to facilitate their return.
The Chief Minister said restoring peace was essential for building a progressive society and creating a better future for the younger generation.
He said development could not take place in areas where conflict continued and appealed to members of all 36 communities living in Manipur to play a greater role in preventing further conflict.
Recalling the Seven Years Devastation, referring to the Manipur-Burmese War of 1819 to 1826, Singh said leaders of different communities, including the Naga, Kuki, Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities, had at various points come together and helped drive the Burmese forces out of Manipur.
Invoking that spirit of collective effort, he again urged all communities to work together towards restoring peace in the state.
Keirao MLA Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, who also spoke at the programme, expressed confidence that peace would return to Manipur in due course.
He appreciated the efforts being made under the Chief Minister’s leadership to restore peace and appealed to people to extend greater support and cooperation to the initiatives.
The five projects inaugurated on Tuesday included the Modern Agro Market Complex (Nupi Keithel) at Kiyamgei, which was taken up with support from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).