CHURACHANDPUR, Aug 16, 2025: Manipur Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accompanied by the First Lady, undertook a day-long visit to Churachandpur district on Saturday, where he reviewed ongoing development initiatives, security measures, and welfare activities while interacting with internally displaced persons (IDPs), civil society organisations (CSOs), student leaders, and local communities.
The visit was marked by a series of engagements, beginning with his arrival at Torbung Resettlement Camp, where the Governor personally interacted with displaced families, followed by meetings with tribal leaders and civil society groups at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and concluding with a cultural showcase at Geljang Resort.
Visit to Torbung Resettlement Camp
At the Pre-Fabricated Resettlement Camp in Torbung, Governor Bhalla inaugurated a newly established crèche centre aimed at supporting working mothers and children in the camp. The facility, he noted, would provide essential childcare services to families struggling with displacement.
During his interaction with IDPs, the Governor distributed relief materials, including food items and essential supplies for lactating mothers. Chocolates were also distributed to children, bringing cheer to many families who have endured prolonged hardships over the past two years.
The Governor took time to felicitate meritorious students from the camp, with special recognition for two girls - Nemneilhing and Hatneineng - from Ngaloi Relief Camp, who successfully cleared the NEET-2025 medical entrance examination. Extending his warm wishes, Bhalla praised their resilience and urged them to pursue higher education with determination.
He emphasized that the government was committed to supporting the education of displaced children and ensuring opportunities for skill development among the youth.
Governor’s Commitment to Restoring Peace
Addressing the camp residents, Governor Bhalla reiterated that restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur was his foremost priority and personal concern. He expressed his earnest desire to see IDPs return to their homes and villages at the earliest possible time.
Acknowledging the “painful journey” faced by displaced communities living in temporary relief camps for nearly two years, he said the state government had taken steps to provide better living conditions, including the construction of pre-fabricated housing units.
The newly inaugurated housing block comprises four barracks, designed to accommodate 38 families. The Governor noted that while temporary in nature, such facilities are part of the government’s commitment to improving living standards until long-term rehabilitation is possible.
Interaction with Civil Society and Tribal Leaders
Later in the day, the Governor chaired an interactive session at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Churachandpur, which was attended by MLAs, representatives of major tribal councils, civil society organisations, and student bodies.
Delegates from the Kuki-Zo Council, Zomi Council, Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, United Zou Organisation, Hmar Inpui, and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) submitted detailed memoranda, highlighting pressing concerns in the fields of education, connectivity, governance, healthcare, and resettlement of IDPs.
Key Issues Raised
According to a press release from the Kuki Council, 16 critical issues were brought to the Governor’s attention, including:
• Upgradation of electricity capacity in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
• Repair and maintenance of rural roads across Kuki districts.
• Landslide mitigation along the Tipaimukh Road.
• Construction of key roadways linking Churachandpur with Chandel and Kangpokpi.
• Appointment of a neutral Advocate General in the Manipur High Court.
• Rectification of jurisdictional anomalies in the District Transport Office, police, and land revenue departments.
• Posting of a neutral Deputy Commissioner in Chandel district.
• Establishment of a Manipur Public Service Examination (MPSE) centre in Kuki areas.
• Clearance of over ten months of salary arrears for faculty at Moreh College and SEMCO College.
Other demands included improvement of healthcare facilities in Moreh, restoration of helicopter services in the hill districts, clearance of pending student scholarships, and the construction of a bridge over the Imphal River in Chandel.
The Governor assured the leaders that he would examine the issues with due seriousness and communicate them to the state and central governments for follow-up action.
Memorandum by the Kuki Students’ Organisation
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (Churachandpur) submitted a separate memorandum, highlighting the prolonged non-functioning of the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Saikot.
The KSO expressed deep concern over the dilapidated infrastructure and neglect of the institute, which they said played a vital role in providing vocational training for youth in the district. They called for:
• Immediate renovation of ITI Saikot’s infrastructure.
• Appointment of qualified teaching and administrative staff.
• Resumption of vocational training programs aligned with modern industry demands.
• Regular monitoring to prevent further neglect.
The Governor acknowledged the concerns and said he recognized the importance of vocational training in empowering youth with employable skills. He assured the delegation that he would raise the matter with the relevant departments.
Security Review
In the afternoon, Governor Bhalla attended a high-level security review meeting at the 27 Sector Assam Rifles Headquarters. The session was chaired by Brigadier S. Prashanth, Commander of the sector, and attended by Director General of Assam Rifles Lt. General Vikas Lakhera, Inspector General AR (South) Maj. General Ravroop Singh, IGP Kabib K., and senior police and military officials.
The Governor was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the district, including measures being taken to prevent violence, maintain law and order, and ensure the safety of IDPs and vulnerable communities.
He urged security forces and civil authorities to work in close coordination with local communities and civil society organisations to strengthen confidence-building measures and advance the peace process.
Cultural Evening at Geljang Resort
In the evening, the Governor, accompanied by the First Lady, visited Geljang Resort, where he was warmly welcomed by the village chief and local community members.
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Bhalla admired the scenic beauty of the area and appreciated the efforts of local leaders to promote tourism and preserve cultural heritage. As part of the visit, he witnessed a vibrant Mizo traditional dance performance, which showcased the rich cultural identity of the region.
The Governor remarked that cultural exchanges and community-driven initiatives could play a vital role in promoting peace and harmony among different ethnic groups in the state.
Governor’s Closing Remarks
Throughout his engagements, Governor Bhalla consistently emphasized that the government was committed to addressing the grievances of tribal communities and displaced persons. He assured local leaders that memoranda and petitions submitted during the visit would be followed up at the appropriate levels.
“I am deeply moved by the resilience and determination of the people of Churachandpur, especially the internally displaced families who have suffered unimaginable hardships. My foremost priority remains the restoration of peace and the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes,” Bhalla said in his closing address.
He added that development, education, healthcare, and connectivity would remain central pillars of the government’s policy for the hill districts, and stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation in achieving lasting peace.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s visit to Churachandpur underscored the government’s focus on improving living conditions for IDPs, addressing developmental backlogs, and strengthening security and peace-building efforts in Manipur’s tribal districts.
By directly engaging with displaced persons, civil society, and local leaders, the Governor signaled a hands-on approach to governance that prioritizes inclusivity, dialogue, and cultural appreciation.
The visit, marked by both serious policy discussions and moments of cultural celebration, reinforced the state’s resolve to address longstanding grievances while nurturing hope for a more peaceful and united Manipur.
