Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Oct 18: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday acknowledged that unrest persists in some hill districts and appealed to all sections of society to promote peace and harmony, particularly in areas affected by violence.
The Chief Minister urged Catholic Church leaders, teachers and students to spread the message of peace and harmony among people, especially in the violence-affected hill areas.
Khemchand Singh was speaking after inaugurating the Catholic Valley Schools’ Sports and Literary Meet at Catholic School in Canchipur, Imphal, under the theme “Together for a Peaceful Manipur”.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said student life forms the foundation of an individual’s future, playing a crucial role in shaping character, aspirations and life goals. He added that the theme of the programme was highly meaningful and relevant in the present situation in Manipur.
Referring to the prevailing situation in the state, Khemchand Singh acknowledged that some areas in the hill districts continued to experience unrest and emphasised that collective efforts were essential to restore peace and strengthen mutual understanding among different communities.
He also pointed out that students were among the worst affected by the ethnic conflict, as their academic activities had been disrupted.
Bandhs and blockades had severely affected students’ education and caused immense hardship to daily wage earners and other sections of society who depended on their daily earnings for survival, he said.
Khemchand Singh stressed the need for Manipur to progress alongside the rest of the country, warning that continued disruptions could adversely affect the future of the younger generation.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, the Chief Minister called upon people to work collectively towards building a developed India, with Manipur actively contributing to the nation’s progress.
Urging people to move beyond the unfortunate incidents of the past, he appealed to all communities to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and mutual understanding.
He emphasised the importance of living together in peace and harmony and working collectively to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Manipur.
A total of 13 Catholic Valley Schools participated in the programme.