Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the reopening of National Highways 2 and 37 to allow the free flow of people and essential goods. The move aims to end road blockades that have crippled the state since ethnic violence ignited on May 3, 2023. Officials met with tribal leaders in Kangpokpi district on August 8, 2026, to finalize the plan. These roads act as the primary lifelines for the region.
Protests marred the progress. Hundreds of Naga and Meitei villagers lined NH-2 at Makhan village with black flags to protest the delay in justice for six slain civilians. The Chief Minister had to cancel a scheduled visit to meet displaced persons in Makhan after residents refused to host the event.
Khemchand arrived in Kangpokpi accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Independent MLA Haokholet Kipgen. He inaugurated a new dialysis unit at the local Community Health Centre and a blood storage facility at the district hospital. He also handed over new ambulances to the Chief Medical Officer and launched various development projects, including solid waste management vehicles and new health centers in Motbung and T Waichong.
The Chief Minister addressed the crowd by invoking historical resilience. He stated: "Peace is the foundation of development." He pledged to keep working toward a more inclusive state. Other attendees included MLAs H Dingo, Th Radheshyam, Y Radheshyam, T Robindro, Kh Raghumani, Noorul Hasan, P Brojen, S Nishikanta, L Rameshwor, K Robindro, Th Arunkumar, S Premchandra, and Letzamang Haokip.
Government teams distributed aid under schemes like PM-JAY, TB Mukt Bharat, Mission Vatsalya, PM-Kisan, PM Surya Ghar, and PM-KUSUM. The state also provided financial support for internally displaced persons. Officials confirmed plans for new sports infrastructure, flood control work, and a computerized examination center.
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