Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday began a three-day visit to Jiribam district, undertaking a significant road journey via National Highway-37, his first such trip through sensitive areas since the outbreak of ethnic unrest in the state.
Singh travelled approximately 217 km from Imphal along NH-37, passing through the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. The route has remained largely avoided by members of the Meitei and Kuki communities amid ongoing tensions, lending added significance to the Chief Minister’s visit.
He was accorded a warm welcome upon arrival in Jiribam, officials said.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by state BJP president A Sharda Devi, at least eight MLAs, and senior police and civil administration officials. Among those in the delegation were MLAs Tongbram Robindro, K Robindro, Sapam Ranjan, H Dingo, L Rameshwar, Ashab Uddin and S Kunjakeshwor Singh.
The visit comes against the backdrop of security concerns along the route. In June 2024, a similar trip planned by then Chief Minister N Biren Singh via NH-37 had to be cancelled after suspected militants ambushed his advance security convoy near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district, leaving a security personnel injured.
Officials described the current visit as part of ongoing efforts by the state government to build trust among communities and address concerns in violence-affected areas. The ethnic conflict has disrupted normal movement between regions dominated by different communities, deepening divisions on the ground.
During his stay, Singh is scheduled to interact with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and hold discussions with leaders from the Meitei, Kuki and Hmar communities. The outreach is aimed at fostering dialogue and encouraging reconciliation amid continuing tensions.
The Chief Minister had earlier visited Jiribam in February 2026, when he met displaced families affected by the violence.
The trip also follows a recent meeting in New Delhi where Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the state government to expedite the peace process and take steps to strengthen communal harmony in strife-torn Manipur.
Authorities see the visit as a signal of confidence-building, even as security forces remain on alert and efforts continue to stabilise the situation across the state.
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