Y Khemchand Singh stresses dialogue as key to ending conflict during visit to Ukhrul district
April 17, 2026: Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Friday called for dialogue and peace among communities during his first visit to Ukhrul district after taking office. Emphasising unity, he said that while every community has both positive and negative elements, the common citizen ultimately desires peace and stability.
During an emotional interaction at Thawai Kuki village, Singh reassured residents that dialogue remains the only path to restoring normalcy. Manipur has been facing prolonged ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, which has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands. The chief minister urged people to think about future generations, noting that continued violence severely impacts children and society.
Singh also addressed local concerns during his visit, promising to restore normal schooling and improve access to potable water. He stopped at several villages along the Imphal-Ukhrul route, directing officials to prioritise infrastructure projects such as a bridge at Sharkaphung and water supply issues raised by residents. He assured locals that these concerns would be addressed on priority as part of broader efforts to restore normalcy in the region.