Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday, 14 May said that the trust deficit between communities torn apart by ethnic violence can be healed through sustained dialogue, pointing to Jiribam district as a working example where people from different communities are now living in relative harmony. Singh made the remarks during a day-long outreach across Imphal West district, visiting displaced persons, injured civilians, and college students.

CM's Visit to Kangchup Chingkhong

Singh visited Kangchup Chingkhong, a foothill village in Imphal West, and interacted directly with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) — many of whom said it was the first time a sitting Chief Minister had come to their village. He assured residents of safe return to their homes and villages, promising adequate security cover upon their return. He also announced that a pucca house to shelter security personnel would be constructed in the area.

Singh informed the gathering that ₹1.2 crore had been sanctioned for strengthening the inter-village road and ₹1.94 crore for a new water supply scheme. A market shed is also planned at a suitable location within the village.

Financial Relief for Displaced Students

Earlier in the day, Singh distributed ₹10,000 each to 754 violence-affected displaced college students at Imphal College in Imphal West under the Chief Minister's College Students Rehabilitation Scheme. The grants were transferred directly to students' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism. The Chief Minister said the government is also considering job opportunities for IDP students upon completion of skill development training, acknowledging that 'the student community are the most affected during the conflict.'

Singh urged teachers and students to jointly take responsibility in bridging the trust deficit among the state's communities. He also said the government would review financial assistance for the reconstruction of houses destroyed during the ethnic violence.

Visits to Injured Civilians

Singh visited injured Tangkhul Naga villagers receiving treatment at the Regional Institute for Medical Sciences (RIMS), Lamphel, Imphal West. The villagers were wounded in a recent attack by armed assailants at Sinakeithei under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district. Later in the evening, he also met two Chiru Naga tribals injured in Wednesday's attack by armed miscreants near Joujangtek in Noney district. The Chief Minister assured that the government would bear all medical expenses for the injured civilians.

A Moment of Resonance Among IDPs

During the interaction at Kangchup Chingkhong, a young IDP cited Singh's earlier remark — that even World War II, despite the use of the atom bomb, ended at the negotiating table — as a turning point in his own thinking. 'This word touched my heart, and I stopped thinking in communal lines. I feel that we all should think of a new beginning by bringing peace,' the young man said. Villagers expressed surprise at the Chief Minister's visit, calling it unprecedented for their settlement.

Singh, addressing the IDPs directly, said: 'In short, those who are unable to return to their own homes and birthplace are in the most miserable stage of humanity.' The Chief Minister also inaugurated a public reception block and a VIP waiting room at the Deputy Commissioner's office, Imphal West, before concluding his engagements for the day. The outreach signals a continued push by the state government to move from crisis management toward structured rehabilitation as Manipur's ethnic conflict enters its third year.