Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said the government is making all efforts to restore normalcy in the state, stressing that peace is essential for development amid continuing ethnic tensions.
Addressing a programme at Chanam Sandrok in Imphal East district, Singh said the administration is working on multiple fronts, including facilitating dialogue between communities and ensuring the resumption of free movement along key highways.
“Peace is necessary for development. The government is taking all possible steps to bring back normalcy through dialogue,” he said.
The chief minister noted that major highways had earlier been blocked by rival Meitei and Kuki groups to prevent movement of members from the other community, severely disrupting daily life and supply chains. He said efforts are underway to reopen these routes for all communities.
Referring to the recent Tronglaobi incident, Singh described it as a tragic setback in the state’s fragile peace process. In the April 7 bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, two children, a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister, were killed while asleep at home, while their mother sustained injuries.
Also read: NESO urges accountability, steps to restore peace in Manipur
The incident triggered widespread protests across the state, with people expressing anger and grief over the killings. Singh said the tragedy had caused deep sorrow across communities and added that he personally shared the pain of the affected family.
“The incident has caused immense grief. As the chief minister, I feel the same pain and sorrow,” he said.
He added that the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency for a thorough probe, assuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023 between the valley-based Meitei community and the Kuki groups residing in the hill districts. The conflict has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands of people, severely affecting normal life across the state.
The unrest had also led to a prolonged political crisis. Following sustained violence and instability, former chief minister N. Biren Singh resigned, after which the state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. The central rule was lifted nearly a year later on February 4.
With efforts now focused on restoring peace and rebuilding trust among communities, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring stability and normal life in the conflict-hit state.
Follow us
