Imphal, April 17 (NationPress) In an effort to mend the fractures of trust between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh journeyed through various villages in the Ukhrul district on Friday as part of a mission aimed at fostering trust.

The Chief Minister emphasized that while every community has its share of positive and negative individuals, the common folk and innocent children yearn for peace and a life filled with harmony.

During a heartfelt engagement with a woman who was moved to tears in Thawai Kuki Village, Singh expressed: “I am a human being. My heart was deeply moved. I share in this pain and sorrow.”

He further stated, “Therefore, we have no alternative but to engage in dialogue to restore peace.”

Expressing grave concern, he remarked that ongoing violence would leave a detrimental and lasting mark on the future of the children.

Previously, in February, ethnic conflicts sparked over territorial disagreements among the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities at Litan Sareikhong, leading to the destruction of more than 30 homes belonging to both groups.

The Tangkhul tribe is the largest Naga tribe in Manipur, primarily residing across various districts in the state. Numerous other incidents have also been reported in the hilly regions.

While delivering a message of unity and coexistence, the Chief Minister urged that amidst the prevailing sorrow, individuals must prioritize the well-being of future generations.

To this end, he called upon local elders to practice restraint and guide the community towards peace.

He assured villagers that he would prioritize the resumption of normal school classes. In collaboration with the local MLA, he confirmed that the construction of a bridge had already been included in the government’s work agenda.

Furthermore, he assured residents that addressing the provision of drinking water would be a top priority and that immediate action would be taken upon his return to Imphal.

Calling for peace and harmony, the Chief Minister urged all communities to coexist peacefully, considering the future of their children.

On his first visit to Ukhrul, he also visited Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he received a warm reception from the village chief, elders, women, and residents.

He engaged with the villagers and inquired about their well-being. While conversing with the village chief, Singh recalled that even World War II concluded through persistent dialogue, despite the devastating atomic bombings.

He posed the question of why communities today cannot choose dialogue and reconciliation, suggesting that the local MLA should spearhead this initiative as the villagers are his constituents.

Highlighting the importance of peace talks, the Chief Minister asserted that discussions should commence when minds are at ease. He also voiced concerns regarding the uncertain future of children if violence persists.

In relation to the bridge construction in Sharkaphung village aimed at enhancing connectivity with other district areas, he instructed the Chief Engineer of the PWD to investigate the matter.

He guaranteed that the project would be initiated within the year using available resources.

Earlier, en route to the Ukhrul district headquarters, Khemchand Singh made stops at Shangkai Village, Shokvao Village, and Ramva along the Imphal-Ukhrul route.

At Shangkai Village, he interacted with residents, where women raised concerns over the lack of potable water, seeking his assistance.

The Chief Minister assured them that their issue would be prioritized upon his return to Imphal.

In Shokvao Village, villagers welcomed him with a traditional shawl and expressed gratitude for his visit while voicing their concerns regarding ongoing development projects in the area.

At Ramva Village, he received a warm welcome from elders, women, and school children.

Residents called upon him to enhance and upgrade local roads, to which the Chief Minister responded with assurances of inclusive development throughout the state.

During his travels, Singh was also welcomed by M.S. Deol, Executive Director of NHIDCL, along with his team, who briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessami road construction project and the challenges being faced.

The Chief Minister assured that these issues would be tackled through discussions with the Chief Secretary and relevant officials.

At the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister was warmly received by the district administration, civil society organizations (CSOs), village authorities, and local residents at the Mini Secretariat.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dilkho, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, and Chief Secretary P.K. Goel, he later reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 in Shirui village, Ukhrul district.