Imphal, July 15 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday reiterated that lasting peace is the cornerstone of development, urging people across communities to work together to preserve harmony and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood for the state’s progress and prosperity.

The Chief Minister appealed during his visit to the recently violence-hit Kanto Sabal area in Imphal West district, where he interacted with residents and reviewed the situation following last week’s incident of arson.

Emphasising that sustainable development is possible only in a peaceful atmosphere, Singh said that sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare can flourish only when peace and normalcy prevail.

He appealed to all sections of society to maintain communal harmony and cooperate with the government in restoring confidence among the people.

He said without peace, there can be no development, adding that infrastructure, education and healthcare can progress only in a peaceful environment.

He stated that every citizen has a responsibility to preserve peace and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood so that Manipur can move forward on the path of inclusive growth and prosperity.

On July 11, miscreants allegedly set six houses belonging to members of the Meitei community in the Kanto Sabal area ablaze, triggering widespread tension and confrontation in the locality. Additional security forces were subsequently deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation and maintain law and order.

During his interaction with local residents, the Chief Minister assured them that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen and that all necessary measures are being taken to restore normalcy.

He also directed the concerned officials to closely monitor the situation and extend all possible assistance to the affected families.

The Chief Minister reiterated that his government would continue to work towards maintaining peace, restoring public confidence and creating an environment conducive to the state’s overall development.

Addressing a gathering in the area, the Chief Minister urged the people of Kanto Sabal village to uphold peace and harmony among all communities, stating that they are the foundation for the state’s progress.

He called upon the people to maintain mutual trust and understanding, and to coexist peacefully, emphasising that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity and cooperation.

During his visit to Kanto Sabal, where Khemchand Singh oversaw the reconstruction of six houses that were damaged in the arson incident on July 11, the Chief Minister said that without peace, there can be no development.

He remarked that infrastructure, education and healthcare can only flourish in a peaceful environment.

The Chief Minister appealed to all sections of society to work together in preserving peace and strengthening the spirit of brotherhood so that the state can move forward on the path of inclusive growth and prosperity.

He further stated that his government is making every possible effort to ensure free movement for all communities along the National Highways passing through the state, adding that restoring normalcy remains one of the government’s top priorities.

During the visit, the Village Development Committee, Kanto Sabal, along with local Meira Paibis and club representatives, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister highlighting various local issues and security-related concerns. The memorandum sought, among other matters, the strengthening of security arrangements in the area and measures to ensure the safety and free movement of residents.

Receiving the memorandum, the Chief Minister assured the people that the issues raised would be examined with due priority and that the government would take appropriate steps in consultation with the concerned departments and security agencies.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy, ensuring public safety, and carrying forward development initiatives for the welfare of all citizens.

Kanto Sabal is a village located in the state’s lone Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved Sekmai Assembly Constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, the sitting MLA of the constituency, H. Dingo Singh, said that within a short period of assuming office, the Chief Minister has undertaken significant steps towards restoring peace in the state.

He observed that the ongoing community conflict is a complex issue and would take time to heal. The MLA appealed to the people of Kanto Sabal not to give in to emotions but to cooperate with one another and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace.

–IANS

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