Manipur CM begins 3-day Jiribam visit, first road trip via NH-37 since ethnic unrest

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh was accorded a warm welcome as he began a three-day visit to the Jiribam district on Saturday.

The chief minister travelled by road via NH-37, covering 217 km from the state capital, Imphal. The road passes through Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, lending added significance to the visit, as members of the Meitei and Kuki communities have largely avoided travelling through each other's areas since the conflict began.

Singh was accompanied by state BJP president A Sharda Devi and at least eight MLAs, along with senior police and civil administration officials.

MLAs Tongbram Robindro, K Robindro, Sapam Ranjan, H Dingo, L Rameshwar, Ashab Uddin and S Kunjakeshwor Singh were among those in the delegation.

In June 2024, then chief minister N Biren Singh had planned a similar visit via NH-37, but it was called off after suspected militants ambushed his advance security convoy near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district, injuring a security personnel.

This visit is part of ongoing efforts to build trust among communities and address local concerns, officials said.

The chief minister is also scheduled to interact with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and hold discussions with leaders from Meitei, Kuki and Hmar communities.

Singh had earlier visited Jiribam in February 2026, when he met displaced families from the affected communities.

During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had asked Singh to expedite the peace process and strengthen communal harmony in the ethnic strife-torn Manipur.