Manipur CM urges people to resolve grievances through talks, not bandhs

Guwahati: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday urged people to resolve grievances through dialogue rather than resorting to bandhs, blockades or shutdowns, which he said hurt daily wage earners the most.Speaking at the inauguration of three bridges — Akham, Salam and Maklang — in Imphal West’s Lamsang assembly constituency, Khemchand emphasised that building trust among communities is his foremost responsibility. He said his task is now to ensure free movement for people across different communities.Narrating his recent visit to Jiribam, Singh said communities, including Hmar, Kuki, Paite and Meitei, had agreed to work together for peace. He contrasted this with the recent bomb blast at Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district that killed two children, calling it “an unfortunate incident not only for Manipur and India, but for the entire world”.Responding to local demands, the CM assured Akham villagers of a new community hall and a dam. At Maklang, he promised road development up to Manipur Olympian Park before the next assembly elections. He also announced plans for a women’s market shed and said proposals for a primary health centre would be examined.Khemchand praised Manipur’s unique women-run markets and lauded women vendors who support families by selling vegetables and traditional garments at Ema Market.The bridges — constructed at costs ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 3 crore under state and Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) schemes — were inaugurated in the presence of MLAs S Rajen Singh and Kh Ibomcha Singh, PWD chief engineer Chongtham Bishwachandra Singh, officials and villagers.