Sustaining the government’s outreach to people across Manipur and to monitor developmental programmes, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Ukhrul district on Saturday—his maiden trip to the district after assuming the post.
Warm reception
People of Ukhrul, wearing vibrant Tangkhul traditional attire, welcomed the Chief Minister and his team at the Mini-Secretariat, Hamleikhong. The reception included an ululation that added to the celebratory atmosphere. Afterward, the delegation was escorted to the DRDA Hall at the Mini-Secretariat for interactions with public leaders and civil society organizations (CSOs) from the district.
“We are one…” Unity call
Speaking at the gathering, Singh said, “We are one. We are first Indian, second, we belong to Manipur.” He highlighted that the state’s diversity of traditions and cultures must be respected by all communities.
Recalling past efforts to resolve conflicts, he said dialogues helped end violence even during World War II. The Chief Minister noted that the new government is only two months and 13 days old and there is still much to learn, and he urged citizens to support the administration by sharing suggestions for a peaceful Manipur.
Security for NH-202
To ensure safety and security for commuters travelling on the Ukhrul–Imphal road (NH-202), the Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, Asish Das, to set up ROPs along the Mahadev to Litan stretch.
He also said he would apprise the Home Ministry to help maintain a peaceful environment in the region. During the public programme, several CSOs submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister.
Students’ talents showcased
As part of the reception, seven distinguished schools—Ukhrul Central School, Ukhrul Public School, KTL Excel Higher Secondary School, Alice Christian Higher Secondary School, Little Angel’s Higher Secondary School, Scholars’ Pakshimi High School, and OTC Juniors’ Academy—displayed innovative exhibitions.
The programme highlighted students’ creative projects, research work, and artistic achievements, and also promoted an interdisciplinary approach to motivate young people to pursue their interests.
Works inspection
Later, the Chief Minister visited and inspected two major ongoing worksites in Ukhrul town undertaken by the Public Works Department, Ukhrul Division. These included construction of pavement using thin white topping and interlocking paver blocks on the 6th MR route connecting Eastern Circular Road via Seventh Finance Quarter and NH-102A to Eastern Circular Road via Shimreiphi Printing Press under SASCI funding.
He also planted tree saplings at Shirui Heritage Village and laid the foundation stone for the construction of Shirui Heritage Village & Bakshi Ground at Shirui village.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLAs Th. Radheshyam, Dr. Yumnam Radheshyam, Paonam Brojen Singh, Heikham Dingo, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Thangjam Arunkumar, Kongkham Robindro Singh, Leishiyo Keishing, Ram Muivah, Khashim Vashum, along with Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, and other senior government officials.
Call for Dialogue
On the way, CM Khemchand Singh visited multiple villages in Ukhrul district as part of a trust-building mission aimed at narrowing the gap between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities.
Speaking during the outreach, the Chief Minister said every community has people who contribute positively and others who cause harm, but emphasized that ordinary citizens and children—regardless of background—want peace and a peaceful life.
At Thawai Kuki village, Singh met locals in a heartfelt interaction that moved him to tears after a woman broke down. He told villagers, “I am a human being. My heart was touched. I also felt the same pain and anguish.” He added that restoring peace requires dialogue, warning that violence would “gravely affect generations of children.”
He further urged elders and responsible citizens to control their minds despite sorrow and regret, and to focus on the future—particularly the safety and wellbeing of children.
Development assurances
The Chief Minister assured villagers that steps would be taken to resume normal classes in schools. He also said, in the presence of the local MLA, that construction of a bridge is already included in the department’s work programme.
Singh further pledged to prioritize provision of drinking water and work toward a solution immediately after returning to Imphal. He appealed to all residents to live in harmony with the future of children in mind.
Engagement with locals
During his maiden visit to Ukhrul, Singh also stopped at Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he received a warm welcome from village leaders, elders, women, and residents.
Interacting with the community, he recalled that even the Second World War ended through continued dialogue despite the devastation of atomic bombings, and urged the people to pursue peace now by forgetting past nightmares. He suggested that the local MLA initiate dialogue while maintaining calm conditions for discussions.
Regarding development, Singh directed the Public Works Department (PWD) Chief Engineer to examine the bridge construction at Sharkaphung that would connect other parts of the district, and assured that the bridge would be taken up this year through available sources.
Earlier, en route to Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister visited Shangkai, Shokvao, and Ramva villages along the Imphal–Ukhrul road.
At Shangkai, women raised concerns about lack of potable water and sought his intervention. Singh assured immediate attention and priority action upon his return to Imphal. At Shokvao, villagers presented him with a traditional shawl and shared concerns related to development works.
At Ramva, elders, women, and school-going children welcomed him warmly, urging upgrades to local roads. Singh assured them of inclusive development across the state.
NHIDCL update
Before arriving at the district headquarters, Singh was greeted by M.S. Deol, Executive Director of NHIDCL, along with his team. Geol briefed him on the progress and ground challenges of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami road project, and Singh assured that the issues would be addressed following discussions with the Chief Secretary and other officials.
Shirui inspection
Later, the Chief Minister and officials headed to Shirui village and inspected preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 at Shirui Village. CM Khemchand also laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Shirui Heritage project at the village.
