Imphal, April 4 (NationPress) Manipur's Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, emphasized the commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government to prioritize peace, foster communal harmony, and encourage inclusive and sustainable development while preserving the region's indigenous culture during his visit to Jiribam.

On Saturday, the Chief Minister, joined by State BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, made his first visit to the diverse Jiribam district, which is adjacent to southern Assam.

During his time there, he engaged with local citizens and participated in several public events.

Accompanying him were seven BJP MLAs: Tongbram Robindro Singh, Kongkham Robindro Singh, Sapam Ranjan Singh, Heikham Dingo Singh, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetai, Md. Achab Uddin, and Sapam Kunjakeshwor (Keba).

The delegation traveled approximately 217 km from Imphal to Jiribam via National Highway-37, marking the first road trip by a sitting Chief Minister since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023.

The route, which traverses the Kangpokpi district largely populated by the Kuki-Zo tribal communities, adds further significance to this visit.

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

Officials stated that this visit is part of a larger initiative by the state government aimed at building trust between communities and addressing local issues.

While in Jiribam, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh is also slated to meet Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the violence and engage with leaders from the Meitei, Kuki, and Hmar communities.

Previously, on April 1 in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the Chief Minister to expedite peace efforts and enhance communal harmony in the violence-impacted areas of Manipur.

An official from the Chief Minister's Office mentioned that a thorough review of the law and order situation in the state took place during the meeting at the Parliament House. The Union Home Minister discussed the current security landscape in Manipur with the Chief Minister and instructed him to hasten ongoing peace initiatives while fostering improved relations among various communities.

In a post on his official X account, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh remarked: "Visited Jiribam district today with State BJP President A. Sharda Devi Ji and BJP MLAs to assess the current situation and developmental requisites."

He also stated: "Received warmly at Leingangpokpi Police Outpost by district officials. We reaffirm our dedication to restoring peace, enhancing communal harmony, and fast-tracking inclusive, sustainable development while protecting indigenous culture."

Additionally, he noted: "I inspected Jiri District Hospital at Ningshingkhul today to evaluate its operations, infrastructure, and service delivery."

While the services are satisfactory, a noted shortage of manpower exists. A comprehensive transfer policy for medical staff will be developed, and doctors' quarters will be upgraded.