Imphal, Feb 9 (NationPress) In a crucial step towards restoring faith amidst ethnic tensions, Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh declared on Monday that the state administration will ensure the safety of individuals from the Kuki-Zo community visiting Imphal, including for their medical needs. The Chief Minister made this commitment while inaugurating the enhancement project for the Imphal-Kakching Lamkhai stretch of the existing National Highway-137A.

He emphasized that sufficient security measures will be in place for Kuki-Zo community members who travel to the state capital for various reasons, including healthcare.

Since the emergence of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023, the state has seen a considerable divide between the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo dominated hill districts, which has led to a reluctance to travel between these areas due to safety issues.

The Imphal Valley is primarily inhabited by non-tribal Meitei people, while the tribal Kuki-Zo community occupies a comparable number of hill districts.

In light of the new government formation, two Kuki-Zo MLAs—L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate—visited Imphal on February 4, marking their first trip to the capital since the unrest began on May 3, 2023. Another Kuki-Zo MLA, Nemcha Kipgen, who represents Kangpokpi district, took her oath as Deputy Chief Minister virtually from New Delhi. Kipgen is notably the only woman in the Yumnam Khemchand Singh cabinet, which assumed office on February 4. She, along with Khaute and Sanate, participated virtually in the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on February 5.

However, many Kuki-Zo organizations have expressed strong opposition to the participation of these MLAs in the government formation, orchestrating protest rallies in Churachandpur and other hill districts.

The highway enhancement initiative was ceremonially launched at an event in the Imphal West district, backed by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The Chief Minister also addressed the recent airlifting of ailing BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal to New Delhi for medical attention, extending his wishes for a swift recovery.

Expressing optimism regarding the timely completion of the road project, the CM instructed contractors to uphold quality standards and adhere to the timelines. The contractors assured that the work would conclude by the end of April.

Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh commended the Chief Minister for commencing this long-awaited highway enhancement.

Loken Singh, affiliated with the BJP's ally National People's Party (NPP), urged citizens to avoid obstructing development initiatives. He emphasized that the new government prioritizes the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by violence and aims to restore peace in the state, seeking collaboration from all societal sectors.

The event, organized by the Public Works Department, was attended by Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, MLAs, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Commissioner to the Chief Minister N. Ashok Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West district Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department Chongtham Biswachandra Singh, and other senior officials.