Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh declared the immediate reopening of National Highways 2 and 37 for all communities. This move aims to restore vital supply lines and transport. The state will also resume the Imphal-Dimapur bus service. Ethnic violence had paralyzed these routes since May 3, 2023.
Khemchand announced the decision at Kangpokpi District Headquarters on Saturday. He was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen. Tribal leaders attended the event to discuss reconciliation. The Chief Minister urged citizens to prioritize national identity, stating, "People should see themselves as Indians first and Manipuris thereafter."
During his visit, Khemchand inaugurated a dialysis unit and a district blood storage facility. He handed over ambulances to the Chief Medical Officer. The government pledged to upgrade the Kangpokpi District Hospital into a 100-bed facility with CT scan capabilities. Additional health projects include new Primary Health Centres at Motbung and T. Waichong, plus the expansion of the Saikul Community Health Centre. The state also planned flood-control river walls, a city convention hall, a guest house, and a computerized examination center.
Beneficiaries received aid via PM-JAY, TB Mukt Bharat, Mission Vatsalya, PM-Kisan, PM Surya Ghar, and PM-KUSUM programs. Officials distributed sprayers, solar pumps, and financial support for internally displaced persons and dialysis patients. Two international-level sportspersons were honored. A large delegation accompanied the Chief Minister, including 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, along with Waqf Board Chairman Antas Khan.
BJP state president A. Sharda Devi backed the initiative on Sunday. She urged citizens to ignore negative perceptions and support state efforts to rebuild trust. The government remains focused on stabilizing the region through these infrastructure and peace-building measures.
Updated at 9th August 2026 at 9:46pm
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) fired back on Sunday, stating they had no hand in the Chief Minister's visit. The organization claimed the trip was arranged only by local district groups, not the apex body itself. They rejected the entire event as a move that ignores the Kuki push for a separate administration.
KIM officials warned that these district-level engagements do not reflect their collective stance. They stated, "KIM will not compromise, dilute, or barter away the political aspirations and collective interests of the Kuki people for temporary engagements, personal interests, or political expediency." They told the public to stay wary of such isolated meetings.
During his address, the Chief Minister claimed development in Manipur is impossible without progress in Kangpokpi. He also invoked a Bible verse while opening the medical unit, calling for local residents to forgive and move on from the violence. He emphasized that the state's boundaries were defended by all communities and urged a return to harmony.
Updated at 9th August 2026 at 10:04pm
Beyond the Kangpokpi visit, Khemchand shifted focus to the national stage on Sunday by leading a 500-metre Har Ghar Tiranga rally through his Singjamei constituency. Braving rain, the Chief Minister marched from Chingamakha Luwangpokpi ground to Yumnam Leikai alongside his wife to kick off the state-wide initiative that runs through August 17.
The government is using the campaign, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, to push for unity. State plans include a Vande Mataram concert at the MSFDS Hall on August 12 held in partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy. Education officials will also roll out exhibitions in schools and colleges to educate students on the history of the national flag.
BJP state president A. Sharda Devi utilized the campaign to further bolster support for the Chief Minister, calling on the youth to promote the party line on national development. Similar patriotic events played out across the state, with officials in Jiribam launching a cycle rally and authorities in Churachandpur holding district-level flag ceremonies.
Updated at 10th August 2026 at 1:47am
Tensions hit a fresh snag as Naga civil groups in Senapati district slapped a travel ban on Kuki individuals on August 8. The move follows an August 4 incident at the Gamgiphai Gate where Kuki volunteers blocked members of the Naga People’s Organisation, the Senapati District Women’s Association, and the Senapati District Students’ Association. The groups stated that being denied passage compromised their safety, triggering the immediate restriction on Kuki movement within the district.
This blockade signals deep cracks in the state's plan to clear key transit routes. While the government pushes to normalize travel on NH-2 and NH-37, the new restrictions by Naga bodies show how local checkpoints and deep-seated animosity continue to choke off commercial and civilian mobility between districts.
Updated at 10th August 2026 at 2:04pm
D. David Haokip, assistant secretary of information and publicity for KIM, issued the formal rejection on August 9. The statement explicitly clarifies that local groups lacked the authorization or mandate from the apex body to host the Chief Minister or strike localized deals.
KIM maintains that these district-level invitations were unilateral moves that bypassed the organization's leadership. The group warns that these interactions serve only to create divisions within the Kuki-Zo population, and they are urging the public to stay alert against attempts to fracture their united political front.
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