Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday said that a “united Manipur” is the only viable path forward for all communities in the state, stressing that peace, mutual respect and collective identity are essential for long-term development and stability.
Speaking at the inauguration and reception programme of a newly constructed girls’ hostel at the Mission Blind School in Laiching Heikakpokpi, Tengnoupal district, the Chief Minister said the state’s identity and territorial integrity have been preserved through the collective sacrifices of its 36 communities. He urged people to honour the legacy of their forefathers and work together beyond ethnic and community divisions.
The Chief Minister highlighted that development can only be achieved when communities set aside differences and adopt a shared vision, drawing a comparison with Singapore to illustrate how unity and collective purpose can drive progress. He said Manipur’s future depends on peaceful coexistence and collaboration among all sections of society.
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Referring to the prolonged unrest in the state, Biren Singh said violence cannot resolve disputes and appealed for dialogue and understanding among communities. He added that the ongoing crisis has significantly affected the state’s economy, but noted that signs of normalcy are gradually emerging after years of conflict.
He further said that movement across communities has started to improve, with some residents resuming travel and engaging in discussions aimed at restoring peace. The Chief Minister expressed hope that continued engagement between stakeholders would help strengthen the peace process and bring lasting stability for future generations.
During the event, he also announced that the Mission Blind School would be upgraded from Class VIII to Class X to ensure visually impaired students can continue their education without interruption. He directed officials to expedite the necessary approvals for the upgrade. The programme also featured cultural performances by members of the Maring, Kom and Tarao communities, along with submissions of local development memoranda to the Chief Minister.
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