Imphal, May 14: As part of his continuing effort to foster peace and build trust among communities, Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh today visited Kangchup Chingkhong, a foothill village in Imphal West district, and interacted with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He assured the IDPs of their safe return to their respective homes and said that adequate security would be provided. He also assured the IDPs that a pucca house to shelter security personnel would be constructed in the area soon.
Prior to that, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh distributed a one-time grant to 754 IDP college students under the Chief Minister’s College Students Rehabilitation Scheme (CMCSRS) at Imphal College in Imphal West.
He also visited the injured Tangkhul Naga villagers who are undergoing medical treatment at the Regional Institute for Medical Sciences (RIMS), Lamphel, Imphal West. The villagers were injured in a recent attack by armed miscreants at Sinakeithei under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district. Later in the evening, the Chief Minister visited Shija Hospital & Research Centre, Langol, Imphal West, and interacted with the two Chiru Naga tribals who were injured in yesterday’s attack by armed miscreants near Joujangtek in Noney district. He assured that the Government would bear all the medical expenses of the injured civilians.
At Kangchup, the Chief Minister maintained that the trust deficit existing between the communities should be bridged through talks, citing the example of Jiribam district where all communities are now living in harmony. He further informed that the Government would look into the grievances raised by IDPs regarding increasing the monetary assistance for the construction of houses destroyed during the violence.
While interacting with the IDPs, the Chief Minister also informed that Rs. 1.2 crore had been sanctioned for strengthening the Inter Village Road (IVR) and Rs. 1.94 crore for the construction of a water supply scheme. He further informed that a market shed would be constructed at a suitable location in the village.
A young IDP told the gathering during the interaction programme that he was touched by a recent comment of the Chief Minister that even World War II, despite the use of the atom bomb, ended on the negotiating table. “These words touched my heart and I stopped thinking on communal lines. I feel that we all should think of a new beginning by bringing peace,” said the young IDP, adding that everyone in Kangchup village was surprised by the Chief Minister’s visit as they had never expected it. The villagers, who bore the brunt of the ethnic violence, said that it was the first time the State’s Chief Minister had visited Kangchup Chingkhong village.
At Imphal College in Imphal West, the Chief Minister distributed Rs. 10,000 each to the 754 Internally Displaced Students through DBT into their respective bank accounts. Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh said, “In short, those who are unable to return to their own homes and birthplace are in the most miserable stage of humanity.” He said that his Government is trying to rehabilitate all the IDPs. He also said that job opportunities would be considered for the IDP students upon completion of skill development training.
He further said that the student community is among the most affected during the conflict. Shri Yumnam Khemchand urged teachers and students to work together and take responsibility in the endeavour to bridge the trust deficit among different communities inhabiting the State.
Later, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh also inaugurated the public reception block and VIP waiting room at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West.
