Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday stressed that peace and stability must come first for development and administrative processes to move forward in the state. He made the remarks while interacting with a delegation of the Hmar tribal community at the Chief Minister’s Bungalow in Imphal.
The delegation, led by Tipaimukh Assembly Constituency MLA Ngursanglur Sanate, included representatives of various civil society organisations from Pherzawl district. The representatives apprised the Chief Minister of issues and grievances affecting people in the predominantly Hmar-inhabited district. Singh assured them that the matters raised would be examined and necessary action would be taken.
Among the key concerns raised was road connectivity, with the delegation seeking an upgrade of the Jiribam-Tipaimukh road from a district road to National Highway status. The delegation said the road could provide an important link between National Highway-37 and NH-2, improving connectivity between Jiribam, Tipaimukh and surrounding areas. Better road infrastructure was highlighted as an important requirement for residents of the region.
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The delegation also raised concerns over electricity and banking facilities. It sought implementation of the proposed power-line connection from Sipuikaun Power Station to Parbung and the extension of electricity supply to other areas through planned connections. The representatives also requested the establishment of a bank in the area, pointing to difficulties faced by residents due to the absence of adequate banking services.
The delegation further discussed issues related to the proposed Pherzawl Autonomous District Council and conveyed the concerns and aspirations of the local community regarding its establishment. Pherzawl district shares inter-state borders with Assam and Mizoram and is predominantly inhabited by the Hmar tribal community. The delegation included representatives of ITAC Pherzawl and Jiribam, Hmar Inpui Hmarram Region and Hmar Inpui Vangai Region.
The Chief Minister also referred to the importance of maintaining peace between communities as a foundation for governance and development. A peace initiative involving representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities was held in Jiribam district in April in the presence of the Chief Minister, with the initiative contributing to continued peaceful coexistence between the two communities, according to the report. Singh reiterated that restoration and preservation of peace would be essential for advancing development and administrative processes in Manipur.
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