In a major push to restore peace, connectivity and normalcy in Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen on Saturday announced the immediate reopening of the National Highways for unrestricted movement of people from all communities.
The government also announced the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur bus service, aimed at restoring public connectivity and facilitating normal movement across the state.
The announcements were made during Khemchand’s visit to Kangpokpi, where he met community leaders and inaugurated several development projects. The Chief Minister appealed to people of all communities to rebuild trust and work collectively towards peace and reconciliation.
Kipgen described the highway reopening as a historic step, while Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen termed National Highway-2 a lifeline for Manipur and urged communities to move beyond the prolonged conflict.
During the visit, Khemchand inaugurated a dialysis unit and district blood storage facility at Kangpokpi District Hospital and handed over ambulances. He announced plans to upgrade the hospital to a 100-bed facility with a CT scan unit. PHCs will be constructed at Motbung and T. Waichong, while Saikul CHC will be upgraded.
The government also announced measures to strengthen sports infrastructure, build a City Convention Hall-cum-Guest House, establish a computerised examination centre and construct a major retaining wall along rivers for flood control. Benefits under various schemes were also distributed to beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons and dialysis patients.
However, the Chief Minister’s outreach was accompanied by protests. Hundreds of Naga and Meitei villagers staged a black-flag demonstration at Makhan along NH-2 as his convoy passed through the area.
The protesters opposed his proposed visit to a relief camp and demanded justice for six Naga civilians allegedly abducted nearly three months ago and later found dead at Leilon Vaiphei village. Their bodies were reportedly dismembered.
The planned visit to the Makhan relief camp was subsequently cancelled after villagers indicated that they did not want to receive the Chief Minister.
Timothy Wijunamai, co-convenor of the Joint Tribe Council and president of the Liangmei Naga Council, said the immediate priority was justice for the six victims. He warned that the organisation could intensify its agitation if the government failed to take concrete action.
The developments come at a sensitive time, with the Chief Minister’s engagement with Kuki civil society organisations being viewed as a potential opening for dialogue, while the protest highlighted continuing
