On his maiden visit to Ukhrul, after becoming the Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed for peace and unity in Manipur. Warm welcomes were accorded to the visiting team led by CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh. CM and team interacted with the public and CSOs leaders and laid foundation stone for construction of Shirui Heritage Village and Bakshi Ground and inspected various developmental projects being taken up at Ukhrul District.
Addressing the gathering at DRDA Hall Ukhrul, CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that “his government is only 2 months and 13 days old and because of the ongoing turmoil in the state, it is like sitting in the chair of fire. When I was young, I could go to Dimapur, but now I can no longer travel. I can go to Moreh, but now I cannot go, even now coming to Ukhrul has become a problem.”
“The people of Manipur have been shouting for peace but each day we are witnessing fighting among each other. This is what I wish and want, we are one. We are Indian first and then, we are from Manipur. We have different traditions and cultures but we ought to respect one another” added Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
He sought people’s support, welcoming every suggestion and advice for a peaceful Manipur. While ensuring the safety and security of people travelling along Ukhrul-Imphal road (NH-202).
The Chief Minister later visited and inspected two major ongoing development worksites being taken up by the Public Works Department, Ukhrul Division including construction of pavement with thin white topping and interlocking paver blocks, under SASCI funding.
Later, the Chief Minister visited Shirui Village and laid the foundation stone for the construction of Shirui Heritage Village and Bakshi Ground.
In a significant move toward ecological restoration and cultural preservation, CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh led a ceremonial plantation of Sapindus mukorossi (a non timber forest produce, locally known as Kekru and CHONSITHEI in Tangkhul dialect) at Shirui. This initiative serves as a vital bridge between modern forestry and indigenous knowledge: a symbol of traditional wisdom and sustainable heritage of its tribal communities.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLAs Th. Radheshyam, Dr. Yumnam Radheshyam, Paonam Brojen Singh, Heikham Dingo, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Thangjam Arunkumar, Kongkham Robindro Singh, Leishiyo Keishing, Ram Muivah, Khashim Vashum, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel and senior government officials.
As part of the reception program, seven distinguished schools namely Ukhrul Central School, Ukhrul Public School, KTL Excel Hr. Sec. School, Alice Christian Hr. Sec. School, Little Angel’s Hr. Sec. School, Scholars’ Pakshimi High School and OTC Juniors’s Academy showcased their innovative exhibitions, providing a vibrant platform to highlight their students’ outstanding creative projects, cutting-edge research and artistic achievements. It also aims to cultivate a culture of interdisciplinary approaches and motivate young minds to pursue their passions.
