Imphal |  Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Ima Market and two bridges in Andro Assembly constituency and announced a Rs 10 crore package for the construction and improvement of inter-village roads, reaffirming the government’s focus on infrastructure-led development.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Ima Market along with two bridges over the Thoubal River at Khungdongbam Mapa (MN04115) and Wangkhem Siphai Leikai (MN04116) in the presence of Andro MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar and other public representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said it was his second visit to Andro since assuming office under the new government, reflecting the administration’s commitment to accelerating development in the constituency.

Describing Andro as one of Manipur’s most historically and culturally significant regions, the Chief Minister highlighted its unique natural fire phenomenon, which attracts researchers, tourists and visitors from across India and abroad.

He said the government was committed to preserving the area’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously strengthening its physical infrastructure to support long-term development.

To improve rural connectivity, Singh announced that the state government would sanction Rs 10 crore for the construction and upgrading of small inter-village roads across the constituency. He also assured residents that a dedicated Municipal Council office would be established in Andro to strengthen local governance and improve public service delivery.

Referring to the ethnic conflict that has affected Manipur for nearly three years, the Chief Minister stressed that lasting peace remains the cornerstone of the state’s development agenda.

He appealed to communities living in both the hills and the valley to work collectively towards restoring peace and rebuilding trust, expressing hope that Manipur could regain the spirit of unity that existed before May 3, 2023, when ethnic violence first erupted.

During the programme, several local organisations, youth clubs and welfare associations submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister seeking additional development initiatives for the constituency.

The memoranda included demands for improved roads, construction of retaining walls, appointment of primary school teachers, establishment of a Municipal Council office and implementation of other civic infrastructure projects.

The inauguration of the new market and bridges, coupled with the road development announcement, forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve public infrastructure while promoting economic activity and connectivity in Andro, even as it continues to emphasise peace and reconciliation as essential prerequisites for Manipur’s long-term growth.