Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand on Friday inaugurated key projects and laid foundation stones in the state’s Senapati district to boost development in the region, and traveled to the district via National Highway 2 (Imphal-Dimapur) that passes through Kangpokpi district, an area dominated by Kuki Zo.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Lucy Dekho and MLAs Awangpo Nyomai, Tongbram Robindro Singh and J Kumu Sha.
Among the projects launched were a multi-level parking lot and an interstate and interregional agricultural and economic transport center with a capacity of 147 vehicles. He also inaugurated multi-purpose community buildings in Khapadwikong and Sangkhumi villages, while laying the foundation stone for 69 anganwadi centers under the SASCI initiative.
At the Senapati headquarters, the Prime Minister was welcomed by civil society organizations, including the Naga Peoples’ Organization, women’s and students’ associations of Senapati district.
The Prime Minister praised civil society organizations in Senapati, Mau and Kangbukpi for their unwavering support to the government’s efforts to restore peace and normalcy after a long period of violence. He stressed that his visit to the Senapati region by land today would not have been possible without their support and cooperation.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for balanced and comprehensive development across the state, saying Manipur cannot progress unless all areas are developed.
“The territorial integrity of Manipur has been maintained by 36 different communities inhabiting the state since time immemorial. Hence, Manipur is considered as a mini India,” he said.
“First we are Indians, then we are Manipuri,” he said.
On his return trip, the Prime Minister also made a short stop at Hengpong in Kangbukpi District, where he met with Saito constituency MLA Haokholet Kipgen. During the meeting, he stressed that ensuring peace, stability and comprehensive development in all regions represents the top priority of his government.
Meanwhile, district magistrates of five districts in Manipur Valley, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching, issued separate orders to relax the curfew between 5 am and 12 noon on Saturday.
In a separate order, the state home department said the temporary suspension of mobile internet services, including VPN services, in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoupal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts has been extended by another two days, starting Friday, 2 pm.
