Imphal: CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday visited several villages in Ukhrul district, which has witnessed recent violence between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, and interacted with residents, conveying a message of peace and harmony.Singh said every community has both good and bad elements, but every common citizen and innocent child longs for peace and a peaceful life. During a heartfelt exchange with a woman who broke down in tears at Thawai Kuki village, he said, “There is no other option left other than dialogue for the restoration of peace.”Expressing deep concern that violence would gravely affect future generations, he said, “We should think of the children, and for this, elders like us must control our minds.”The CM assured villagers that he would look into resuming normal classes in schools and prioritise the provision of drinking water, promising to work toward a solution immediately after returning to Imphal.During his maiden visit to Ukhrul, Singh also stopped at Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village, where he was warmly welcomed by the village chief, elders, women, and other residents.He interacted with villagers and enquired about their well-being. While speaking with the village chief, Singh recalled that even World War II ended through continuous dialogue despite the atomic bombings.On his way to the Ukhrul district headquarters, he stopped at Shangkai, Shokvao, and Ramva villages along the Imphal-Ukhrul road.At Shangkai village, women raised concerns about the lack of potable water and sought his intervention. The CM assured them that the issue would be addressed on priority.At Shokvao, villagers presented him with a traditional shawl and expressed happiness over his visit. They also shared concerns regarding development works undertaken by the govt.At Ramva village, Singh was accorded a warm welcome by elders, women, and schoolchildren. The villagers urged him to develop and upgrade roads, to which he assured inclusive development across the state.At the Ukhrul district headquarters, the CM received a rousing reception from the district administration, residents, civil society organisations, and village authorities at the mini secretariat. He, along with deputy CM Losii Dilkho, tourism minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, and chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, later inspected preparations for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2026 at Shirui village.
