Imphal, April 2 (NationPress) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh convened a crucial high-level meeting on Thursday with senior officials, instructing them to implement stringent measures against disruptive and unruly elements while ensuring secure routes and seamless transit throughout the state, as per official sources.

As stated by an official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the meeting took place at the Civil Secretariat, where the current law and order situation was evaluated, and strategies were formulated to enhance safety and security along the National Highways.

In a message shared on his official X account, the Chief Minister emphasized: "Our foremost priority is the protection of life and the facilitation of safe, uninterrupted movement of people and goods."

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh further remarked: "We have issued clear directives to effectively manage and contain all disruptive and resistant elements, guaranteeing secure routes and smooth transit across the state. We are steadfast in our commitment to maintain peace, stability, and public trust through decisive and coordinated efforts."

Manipur heavily depends on two crucial National Highways — Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) — for transporting essential goods, including foodgrains, medicines, construction materials, and various commodities from across the nation.

Earlier on Thursday, the Chief Minister also met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Lok Bhavan in Imphal, shortly after returning from discussions in New Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding various state concerns.

Additionally, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh held a separate meeting with senior Army officials, including Major General Subhankar Basu, General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division.

On his official X account, the Chief Minister stated: "We engaged in comprehensive discussions on the preparatory framework for hosting the Durand Cup 2026 in Imphal. Our focus was on institutional coordination, logistical readiness, and necessary modalities to ensure the smooth and successful execution of the tournament."

Highlighting the significance of the event, Khemchand Singh noted that the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, showcases top teams from the Indian Super League, I-League, and the Armed Forces, carrying substantial sporting prestige.

He added, "With a large audience expected, the state government is fully dedicated to delivering a secure, well-organized, and world-class sporting event, further establishing Manipur as a premier hub of football excellence."

Meanwhile, the 134th edition of the Durand Cup took place in Manipur in July 2025 after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic conflict in the Northeastern state.

The opening match at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium was graced by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, former Eastern Command Chief Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, along with other senior Army, paramilitary, security, and civil officials, as well as dignitaries.

Following over two years of ethnic strife between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities, President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, shortly after the resignation of N. Biren Singh as Chief Minister. The President's Rule was lifted in February this year.