Governor Engages with IDPs and CSO Leaders During Churachandpur Visit, Vows to Address Local Issues

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla stated that the state government, along with civil society organisations (CSOs), has been making continuous efforts to restore peace in the state. He made this statement while addressing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and villagers during the inaugural function of a pre-fabricated housing facility at Torbung. The newly inaugurated structure comprises four barracks and can accommodate 38 families.

In his address, the Governor emphasized that bringing peace and normalcy to the state remains his top priority and personal concern. He expressed his earnest desire to see all IDPs return to their homes and villages. Acknowledging the hardships faced by displaced persons over the past two years in relief camps, he said that the state government has constructed the pre-fabricated housing unit to offer better living conditions.

The Governor expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to personally interact with the displaced residents. During his visit, the executives of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (Churachandpur) submitted a memorandum, drawing his attention to several pressing issues.

Governor Bhalla also took the occasion to felicitate two girls from Ngaloi Relief Camp, Nemneilhing and Hatneineng, who had successfully cleared the NEET examination. He personally interacted with the two students and shared a brief moment of encouragement. Chocolates were distributed to children at the camp, and food items, along with other essential supplies, were handed over for lactating mothers.

Later in the afternoon, the Governor held a meeting with various civil society organisations and tribal leaders at the Deputy Commissioner’s office conference hall. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Kuki-Zo Council, Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Zomi Council, United Zou Organisation, Hmar Inpui, and leaders of several student bodies.

According to a press release issued by the Kuki-Zo Council after the meeting, 16 key public concerns were presented to the Governor. These included the urgent upgradation of electricity capacity in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, the repair and maintenance of local roads across all Kuki-Zo districts, and landslide mitigation efforts along the Tipaimukh Road. Other issues raised included the development of critical roadways connecting Churachandpur to Chandel and Kangpokpi, the appointment of a neutral Advocate General in the Manipur High Court, and the rectification of jurisdictional anomalies in the District Transport Office, Police jurisdiction, and Land Revenue Office. The Council also called for the posting of a neutral Deputy Commissioner in Chandel district, the establishment of a Manipur Public Service Examination (MPSE) centre in the Kuki-Zo districts, and the disbursement of pending salary arrears of over ten months for faculty at Moreh College and SEMCO College in Tengnoupal and Chandel.

Additional demands included improvement of healthcare facilities in Moreh, resolving the issue of unreliable helicopter services in the hill districts, clearance of pending scholarships for students, and the construction of a bridge over the Imphal River in Chandel. The Governor, according to the release, listened carefully and assured the delegation that he would look into all the matters raised with due seriousness.

The Kuki Students’ Organisation (Churachandpur) also used the occasion to highlight the prolonged non-functioning and deteriorating condition of the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Saikot. The organisation expressed deep concern over the neglect and abandonment of the institute, despite its vital role in providing vocational training to the youth of the district.

In its memorandum, the KSO urged the Governor to take immediate steps to assess and restore the physical infrastructure of ITI Saikot through urgent renovations. They also called for the appointment of qualified teaching and administrative staff to ensure the proper functioning of the institute. Furthermore, the organisation requested the restarting of vocational training programs that are aligned with modern skill requirements and industrial demands, and recommended that the institute be placed under regular monitoring to prevent further decay.

The KSO expressed hope that the revival of ITI Saikot would uplift the youth of Saikot and neighboring areas and contribute significantly to the broader goals of skill development, self-reliance, and inclusive growth.