The visit was a centerpiece of the government’s ongoing trust-building initiative between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities. The chief minister made several stops at sensitive locations, including Thawai Kuki Village and Sharkaphung. Interacting directly with the residents, he acknowledged the deep-seated pain and trauma caused by recent unrest. He warned that continued violence offers no winners and would only leave a legacy of hardship for future generations. “There is no other option left other than dialogue for the restoration of peace,” he asserted, urging all stakeholders to prioritize conversation over confrontation.
Beyond the rhetoric of peace, the chief minister addressed the practical hardships faced by the hill residents. During interactions at Shangkai, Shokvao, and Ramva villages, locals raised urgent concerns regarding potable water, road connectivity, and the suspension of education. In response, Chief Minister Khemchand assured the villagers that the resumption of school classes and the stabilization of drinking water supplies would be treated as top priorities. He further confirmed that several bridge construction projects in the region have been integrated into the government’s immediate work program and will be executed within the current year.
A key technical aspect of the visit involved a progress review of the Imphal–Ukhrul–Jessami road project. Recognizing the strategic and economic importance of this artery, the chief minister promised that administrative bottlenecks and execution challenges would be resolved through intensified coordination with district officials. His commitment to “inclusive development” was a recurring theme, intended to reassure the hill communities that they remain central to the state’s growth agenda.
The visit concluded at the Ukhrul headquarters, where the chief minister was greeted with a warm reception from civil society organizations and local residents. Accompanied by Deputy CM Losii Dilkho and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, he inspected the site preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026. By focusing on this iconic cultural event, the chief minister sought to remind the people of the beauty and unity that define Manipur’s heritage.
As Chief Minister Khemchand Singh departed Ukhrul, his final appeal was for the people to look beyond past conflicts. By combining promises of infrastructure with a plea for emotional healing, the government hopes to lay the groundwork for a secure and unified future. For the residents of Ukhrul, the visit serves as a beacon of hope that the language of peace may finally drown out the echoes of discord.
