Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 22 August underscored that peace is a non-negotiable prerequisite for the state's development, calling for sustained dialogue and mutual understanding among all communities in the conflict-affected state. His remarks came at a public function in Imphal West District, signalling a renewed push for reconciliation amid ongoing ethnic tensions.

Key Remarks by the Chief Minister

Inaugurating a mechanised rotary parking facility at Nagamapal, near the Chunkhang Leirak entry in Imphal West, Singh stressed that development cannot take root without a stable peace. 'Lasting peace could be achieved through constructive dialogue among the communities,' he said, urging citizens to remain positive in their approach toward building a progressive society. He also emphasised that collective efforts by residents and the bazaar community are essential for the smooth functioning of the new parking facility.

Local MLA Flags Civic Concerns

Khumukcham Joy Kisan Singh, local legislator from Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency, used the occasion to highlight longstanding civic issues — chief among them the acute shortage of parking space in the market area and the scarcity of potable water in his constituency. He credited the Chief Minister's initiative in resuming inter-state bus services connecting Assam and Nagaland, calling it a meaningful step toward regional connectivity. He added that the drinking water issue is expected to be resolved soon under the Chief Minister's guidance.

First of Four Planned Parking Facilities

Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel described the inauguration as an important milestone for Imphal, noting that this is the first of four such mechanised parking facilities proposed across the city. He pointed to growing urbanisation and a rising number of vehicles as drivers of the acute parking crunch, framing the new infrastructure as part of a broader effort to modernise Imphal's civic amenities. Thingbaijam Harikumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Smart City, along with bazaar community members, staff, and local residents, attended the inaugural programme.

Broader Context: Peace Amid Ethnic Strife

Manipur has been gripped by ethnic conflict since May 2023, with clashes between communities displacing thousands and disrupting normal life across the state. The Chief Minister's emphasis on dialogue reflects the administration's stated position that political and community-level engagement — rather than security measures alone — holds the key to durable peace. This comes amid continued pressure on the state government to accelerate relief, rehabilitation, and reconciliation efforts. The inauguration of civic infrastructure such as the parking facility is also being read as part of a wider attempt to signal normalcy and governance momentum in the state capital.

What Comes Next

Three more mechanised parking facilities are slated for other parts of Imphal as the Smart City project expands. Observers will watch whether the Chief Minister's call for community dialogue translates into formal peace talks or structured inter-community engagements in the weeks ahead.