CM Khemchand Calls for Dialogue and Peace During Emotional Visit to Ukhrul Villages

 “There Is No Other Option Left Other Than Dialogue for Restoration of Peace,” Says Chief Minister

Aseem Bhakta Singh, KalimNews, April 18, 2026, Imphal:  Manipur Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday undertook an emotionally charged visit to several villages in Ukhrul district, urging all communities to embrace dialogue and peace as part of a trust-building initiative aimed at narrowing differences between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities.

Speaking to villagers during his tour, the Chief Minister observed that while every society has both positive and negative elements, the shared desire of ordinary citizens and children is a peaceful and secure life. He stressed that sustaining harmony was essential for the well-being of future generations.

At Thawai Kuki Village, CM Khemchand had an emotional interaction with a woman who broke down in tears during the meeting. Deeply moved, he said he too felt the pain and anguish shared by the people, adding that dialogue remains the only viable path forward. “I am a human being. My heart was truly touched. I also felt the same pain and anguish. Therefore, there is no other option left other than dialogue for the restoration of peace,” he stated.

Expressing concern over the long-term impact of continued violence, he appealed to community elders to act responsibly and think about the future of children. “We should think of the future generations, and for this, elders like us must control our emotions and minds,” he added.

The Chief Minister also assured villagers that steps would be taken to resume normal academic activities in schools. In the presence of the local MLA, he informed that bridge construction had already been included in the work programme. He further assured that drinking water issues would be addressed on priority after his return to Imphal, with immediate solutions to be explored.

During his first official visit to Ukhrul, CM Khemchand also visited Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he was warmly welcomed by the village chief, elders, women, and residents. Interacting with the village leadership, he referred to historical examples, noting that even major global conflicts such as World War II eventually ended through sustained dialogue. “If even the worst conflicts in history could end through dialogue, why can’t we live in harmony by forgetting past bitterness?” he remarked, adding that local representatives should take the initiative in facilitating talks.

He further emphasized that meaningful dialogue should begin when emotions are calm, reiterating his concern that ongoing unrest could jeopardize the future of children in the region.

Addressing infrastructure demands at Sharkaphung, particularly the need for a bridge to improve connectivity, the Chief Minister instructed the Chief Engineer of PWD to examine the proposal and assured that construction work would commence within the year through appropriate funding channels.

En route to Ukhrul headquarters, the Chief Minister also made brief stops at Shangkai, Shokvao, and Ramva villages along the Imphal–Ukhrul road. At Shangkai, women raised concerns over the shortage of potable drinking water, to which he assured urgent attention. At Shokvao, villagers presented him with a traditional shawl and discussed ongoing development works, while at Ramva, residents including elders, women, and schoolchildren welcomed him warmly and appealed for road improvement, receiving assurances of inclusive development.

During the journey, officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), led by Executive Director Shri MS Deol, briefed the Chief Minister on the progress and challenges of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami road project. He assured that the issues raised would be addressed in consultation with senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary.

At Ukhrul district headquarters, CM Khemchand received a warm reception from the District Administration, civil society organizations, village authorities, and local residents at the Mini Secretariat. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Losii Dilkho, Tourism Minister Shri Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, and Chief Secretary Dr. P.K. Goel, he later inspected preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 at Shirui Village.