A delegation of Tangkhul Naga tribals from the Sinakeithei Village Authority in Ukhrul on Tuesday met Yumnam Khemchand Singh at his official residence in Imphal and urged the state government to deploy additional security personnel in the area amid the prevailing tense situation in Manipur.
The delegation was accompanied by Ram Muivah, MLA of the Naga People’s Front from Ukhrul constituency.
During the meeting, the villagers requested the deployment of state police forces, particularly personnel from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), in Sinakeithei village. They also demanded adequate manpower for the Sinakeithei police station and the proper functioning of the existing Sub-Divisional Collector’s (SDC) office in the area.
The delegation informed the Chief Minister that repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months have created an atmosphere of fear, insecurity and distress among residents of the village. Citing the deteriorating security situation, they appealed for stronger protection measures and humanitarian assistance, including the supply of essential commodities.
The villagers further requested the government to provide security cover along the road connecting Mahadev and Sinakeithei village, which they described as vulnerable amid ongoing tensions. They also sought improved healthcare facilities and accelerated developmental activities in the region.
Responding to the demands, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that disarming all forms of firearms from every part of the state has become an urgent necessity to restore normalcy in Manipur.
“Peace is the only solution. There are no other options in Manipur,” the Chief Minister reportedly told the delegation.
He appealed to leaders of all communities to encourage youths to stay away from violence and contribute towards peace-building efforts in the state. Referring to former South African President Nelson Mandela, Singh said Mandela was able to bring peace and reconciliation to his country despite prolonged racial conflict.
The Chief Minister also stated that the government is focusing on creating employment opportunities for youths outside the government sector by providing skill development and vocational training programmes.
The villagers expressed gratitude to the state government for deploying two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Sinakeithei area. They also thanked the government for initiating the construction of an inter-village road connecting Sinakeithei with the Ukhrul district headquarters and for sanctioning a Bailey bridge over the Ihang river.
