Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Sep 30: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said peace and stability must remain the priority in the state, stressing that restoration of normalcy was essential for taking forward development and administrative processes.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while interacting with a delegation of the Hmar tribal community and assured its members that the issues raised by them would be examined and necessary action taken.

Tipaimukh MLA Ngursanglur Sanate, along with representatives of various civil society organisations (CSOs) from tribal-inhabited Pherzawl district, met Khemchand Singh at the Chief Minister's Bungalow and apprised him of issues and grievances concerning the people of the area.

Pherzawl district shares inter-state borders with Assam and Mizoram and is predominantly inhabited by the Hmar tribal community.

The meeting comes months after a peace initiative involving representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities was held in Jiribam district in April in the presence of the Chief Minister. The initiative has contributed to maintaining peace and harmony between the two communities, who have continued to live together peacefully since then.

During Wednesday's meeting, the MLA raised issues related to road connectivity, electricity and banking facilities and sought the Chief Minister's intervention to address the difficulties faced by people in the area.

On road connectivity, the delegation sought the upgradation of the Jiribam-Tipaimukh road, which is currently a district road, to National Highway status.

The delegation said the road would provide an important link between National Highway-37 and NH-2 and improve connectivity between Jiribam, Tipaimukh and adjoining areas.

The representatives also raised concerns over power connectivity and sought implementation of the proposed power-line connection from Sipuikaun Power Station to Parbung.

They also called for extending electricity supply to other areas through proposed power-line connections.

The delegation further highlighted the need for a bank in the area, pointing out the difficulties faced by residents in the absence of banking facilities.

Issues relating to the Pherzawl Autonomous District Council (ADC) were also raised, with the delegation conveying its concerns and aspirations regarding its establishment.

The delegation included representatives of the Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (ITAC), Pherzawl and Jiribam, Hmar Inpui Hmarram Region and Hmar Inpui Vangai Region.

The delegation also included the Secretary of Hmar Inpui Hmarram Region and the President of Hmar Inpui Vangai Region, Rothangkhum.