Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand on Friday travelled by road along National Highway-2 to Senapati, becoming the first chief minister to undertake the route since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023.
The Chief Minister’s convoy passed through sensitive stretches, including the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, under a multi-layered security cover. Authorities had intensified vigil along the NH-2 corridor ahead of the visit, deploying additional forces at key points to ensure safe passage.
The visit is being seen as a significant confidence-building measure in a region that has remained tense since the violence erupted nearly three years ago, severely disrupting movement along critical highways.
During his visit, Khemchand inaugurated a multi-level parking facility at the Senapati district headquarters, designed to accommodate 147 vehicles. The facility is integrated with an Inter-State and Inter-District Agriculture and Economic Transportation Hub aimed at strengthening local trade and connectivity.
He also inaugurated multi-purpose community buildings at Khabaduikung and Sangkumei villages, and laid the foundation stone for 69 Anganwadi centre buildings under the SASCI scheme, signalling a focus on grassroots infrastructure and welfare.
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The Chief Minister is scheduled to address a public gathering and interact with civil society organisation leaders as part of the outreach, which officials said is aimed at restoring administrative engagement and public trust in violence-affected areas.
The Senapati visit follows Khemchand’s recent road journey to Jiribam via National Highway-37, another route that had witnessed disruptions during the ethnic conflict. Officials described the back-to-back visits as part of a calibrated effort to reassert governance and improve connectivity across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho had reached Senapati earlier to review security arrangements and oversee preparations for the Chief Minister’s visit.
With highway connectivity having been one of the major casualties of the prolonged unrest, the government’s push to resume high-level road travel is being viewed as an attempt to normalise movement and signal a return to administrative control.
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