Manipur CM Khemchand urges stakeholders to shun bandhs, says shutdowns hurt poor, students

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has appealed to civil society organisations and other stakeholders to refrain from calling bandhs and general strikes, saying repeated shutdowns disrupt livelihoods and disproportionately affect daily-wage workers, students and other vulnerable sections.

The chief minister said the state government was making every possible effort to address issues raised by the people and urged stakeholders to cooperate with the administration instead of resorting to measures that disrupt normal life.

“I appeal to all sections of society and all concerned stakeholders to work collectively towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy. I also urge all concerned to refrain from bandhs and general strikes, which adversely affect the lives and livelihoods of our people,” Khemchand said in a Facebook post.

He expressed particular concern over the impact of repeated shutdowns on students, warning that disruption to the academic environment could adversely affect their education and future career prospects.

Khemchand also highlighted the proposed October visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Manipur, describing it as an important development amid ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by civil society groups.

The chief minister recently travelled to New Delhi along with representatives of 14 civil society organisations to seek implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur before the Census.

After returning from Delhi, Khemchand attended a reception at Thambal Sanglen, the BJP Manipur state office in Imphal, where he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He was welcomed by BJP Manipur president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, MLAs, senior party leaders and workers.

During the programme, Khemchand briefed party leaders about his meeting with Shah and discussions surrounding the postponement of Census operations in Manipur.

The Centre on Monday decided to defer the proposed Census exercise in the state following a high-level meeting chaired by Shah. The meeting considered demands from sections of the public and civil society organisations seeking deferment of the Census until the NRC is implemented in Manipur.

Khemchand said the BJP's central leadership was aware of the sentiments, aspirations and concerns of the people of Manipur. He cited the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state as another indication of the Centre's recognition of these concerns.

The chief minister said his government remained committed to restoring peace, normalcy and stability in the violence-affected state.

He also pointed to the reopening of National Highway connectivity, saying it had enabled inter-state movement to resume and provided people with safer and more affordable travel options.

Khemchand reiterated his appeal to all sections of society to work collectively towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy in Manipur.