Yumnam Khemchand Singh on May 14 assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of their safe return to their respective homes during a visit to Kangchup Chingkhong, a foothill village in Imphal West district.
As part of his continued efforts to restore peace and build trust among communities, the Chief Minister interacted with displaced families and said adequate security arrangements would be made for their safe return. He also announced that a permanent pucca house would soon be constructed in the area to accommodate security personnel.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister distributed one-time grants to 754 displaced college students under the Chief Minister’s College Students Rehabilitation Scheme at Imphal College.
Under the scheme, each student received ₹10,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their respective bank accounts.
Khemchand Singh said being unable to return to one’s own home and birthplace was among the most painful human conditions. He said the government was working to rehabilitate all displaced persons and added that job opportunities would be considered for IDP students after completion of skill development training.
He also said students were among the worst affected during the conflict and urged teachers and students to work together to bridge the trust deficit among communities living in the state.
During the visit to Kangchup, the Chief Minister said mistrust between communities could be resolved through dialogue. He cited Jiribam district as an example where communities were now living peacefully.
He further said the government would examine grievances raised by displaced persons regarding increased financial assistance for reconstruction of homes destroyed during the violence.
Announcing development measures for the village, the Chief Minister said ₹1.2 crore had been sanctioned for strengthening the Inter Village Road (IVR), while ₹1.94 crore had been approved for a water supply scheme. He also announced that a market shed would be constructed at a suitable location.
During the interaction programme, a young displaced resident said he was deeply moved by the Chief Minister’s recent statement that even World War II ended at the negotiating table despite the use of atomic bombs.
The youth said the remark inspired him to stop thinking along communal lines and instead believe in a new beginning based on peace. He added that villagers were surprised and touched by the Chief Minister’s visit, saying it was the first time a sitting Chief Minister had visited Kangchup Chingkhong.
Later, the Chief Minister visited injured Tangkhul Naga villagers undergoing treatment at Regional Institute for Medical Sciences. They were injured in a recent attack by armed miscreants at Sinakeithei under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district.
In the evening, he visited Shija Hospital & Research Centre and met two Chiru Naga tribals injured in Wednesday’s armed attack near Joujangtek. He assured that the state government would bear all medical expenses of the injured civilians.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a public reception block and VIP waiting room at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Imphal West.
