“Jiribam is the gateway to Manipur and has the potential to become a business hub,” he said, adding that peace is essential for growth.
The Chief Minister first visited the Jiribam Higher Secondary School campus, where Meitei IDPs are currently sheltered. He later met Hmar tribal IDPs at the Kalinagar relief camp, listening to their concerns and assuring them of continued government support.
Urging communities to move beyond past hardships, he appealed for reconciliation and mutual understanding. Referring to Christian values of compassion and forgiveness, he said, “Let us consider the last two years a nightmare and have the courage to move forward towards peace and development.”
As part of his visit, the Chief Minister also travelled to Jarolpokpi Hmar village, which experienced violence in 2023, and Mongbung Meitei village, where he interacted with local residents. He assured displaced families that their grievances are being addressed and that houses are being constructed for those who have lost their homes.
In another significant event, Yumnam Khemchand laid the foundation stone of IRB Barracks at the 87-Bn CRPF Headquarters, reiterating his commitment to a united Manipur. Expressing concern over divisive forces, he stated, “I feel someone is trying to destroy the concept of Manipuri. We can be Manipuri Naga, Manipuri Kuki, and Manipuri Meitei – united as one.”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister also flagged off an external exposure tour to Vietnam for members of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). The tour is fully sponsored by DIPR and partially supported by the Tourism Department.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Singjamei Yumnam Leikai Leirembi Lampak in Imphal West. The 30-member delegation includes 25 representatives from AMWJU and five from DIPR. The team is led by Hungyo Worshang, IAS, Secretary of the Tourism Department and DIPR, Government of Manipur, along with Asem Bhakta, President of AMWJU.
Notable participants include Imphal Free Press Editor Irengbam Arun and Impact TV Chief Editor Yunam Rupachandra.
Speaking to reporters during the flag-off, Yunam Rupachandra said the main focus of the tour is to explore Vietnam’s tourism sector and study its development model. The delegation will visit important historical and cultural sites, including Ho Chi Minh City, known for its role in the Vietnam–USA war and its preserved war heritage sites, as well as Hanoi, the northern capital, to understand the progress of a communist country.
The delegation is scheduled to return to Imphal on February 19.
Photo: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh interacting with IDPs at a relief camp in Jiribam district and flagging off the AMWJU–DIPR delegation to Vietnam, February 2026.