Imphal, April 5 (NationPress) Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reaffirmed on Sunday that the chief aim of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government is to reinstate peace and unity across the state.

During his ongoing three-day visit to the diverse Jiribam district, which borders southern Assam, the Chief Minister unveiled his vision to transform this region into a model district.

Speaking to the press at the proposed site of the Inter-State Truck Terminus in Jiribam, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh emphasized the district's crucial role in the state's peace-building initiatives.

He pointed out that Jiribam has become the first district where individuals from various communities came together to share a meal following the significant ethnic turmoil that began on May 3, 2023.

The Chief Minister described this gathering as a historic occasion, stating that the government would investigate the potential for developing tourism projects at the Truck Terminus location in collaboration with the Town Planning Department, considering the area's abundant land.

Reflecting on his visit, Khemchand Singh noted that this was his second trip to Jiribam since taking office on February 4.

He reiterated that fostering connections among different communities and ensuring lasting peace is at the forefront of his government's agenda.

During this visit, the Chief Minister also initiated a tree plantation drive at the site, organized by the Jiribam Forest Division.

Several BJP MLAs and senior officials from the state government participated in planting saplings.

On Saturday, alongside State BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and nine other MLAs, the Chief Minister completed his second visit to Jiribam.

The delegation traveled over 220 km from Imphal to Jiribam via National Highway-37, completing the journey in approximately six hours.

This journey signifies a notable road trip by a current Chief Minister since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023.

The route traverses through Kangpokpi, predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo tribal communities, adding symbolic weight to the visit.

Since the onset of the conflict, members of the Meitei and Kuki communities have largely refrained from traveling through areas dominated by each other.

During his engagement with residents in Jiribam on Saturday, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh reiterated that the state government is making every effort to assist the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) impacted by the ethnic violence.

He assured ongoing support within the state's limits.

"While I may not be able to meet all your expectations, I will continue to assist each of you in whatever capacity I can. Everyone wishes to return home, and our government is committed to helping IDPs in constructing new homes," said the Chief Minister.

He also noted that Jiribam has set a precedent by becoming the first district in Manipur where communities have united to restore peace after nearly three years of ethnic conflict.

During the program, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh engaged with IDPs from the Meitei, Kuki, Paite, and Hmar communities, actively listening to their concerns.

A Meitei woman voiced her fears about returning home, while a young Hmar tribal girl emphasized the challenges faced by individuals in remote areas in accessing government employment.