IMPHAL : Y Khemchand Singh appealed to the people of Manipur to avoid bandhs and blockades and instead resolve grievances through dialogue and mutual understanding amid the continuing unrest in the state.

The Chief Minister made the appeal while inaugurating a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) bridge over the Nambul River at Akham Makha Leikai in Imphal West district. Addressing a public gathering, Singh said prolonged shutdowns and blockades disproportionately affect economically vulnerable sections of society, particularly daily wage earners.

“Enforcing bandhs and blockades out of anger toward the government only leads to hardship, particularly for the daily wage earners,” he said. The Chief Minister also referred to his recent visits to Jiribam district, where he said members of different communities, including Kuki, Paite, Hmar and Meitei groups, interacted peacefully at the grassroots level.

“I have been to Jiribam twice. First, I visited the district by helicopter and second by road, during which members of Kuki, Paite, Hmar and Meiteis gathered together at the grassroots level and interacted. All are having cordial relations,” Singh said.

Recalling a recent incident of violence, the Chief Minister mentioned the bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district in April that claimed the lives of two children and triggered widespread grief across the state. “The incident caused disruptions to the economy of the state due to shutdowns and bandhs,” he said.

Singh urged people to engage in discussions whenever frustrations or disagreements arise, emphasising that peaceful dialogue is essential for restoring stability and social harmony. “To the people to come forward for talks to reach a mutual understanding whenever there is any frustration or anger towards the government, as bandhs cause hardships, particularly to families of daily wage earners,” he appealed.

Later, in a social media post, the Chief Minister said the newly inaugurated bridge in the Lamsang Assembly Constituency would strengthen connectivity, improve transportation of goods and people, and contribute to local economic development. He added that the Manipur government remains committed to improving road connectivity and developing quality infrastructure for the welfare and progress of the people of the state.