Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday urged people to maintain calm and extend cooperation, emphasising that bandhs and disruptions disproportionately affect daily wage earners and the general public. He underscored the importance of peace, unity, and collective responsibility in maintaining social harmony.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while unveiling a memorial stone in Imphal East’s Khurai Chingambam Leikai, erected in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Japanese aerial bombing on April 20, 1943, during World War II. The event marked the 83rd commemoration of the tragic incident, known as the Khurai Chingangbam Mandop Aerial Bombing.
Referring to the April 7 bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, in which two minor children were killed and their mother injured, Singh stated that the government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness. He said that two rounds of meetings had already been held with the Joint Action Committee to address the issue.
The Chief Minister added that the state government has acknowledged public concerns and demands, including extending support to the bereaved family. He further informed that the government has proposed providing suitable state government jobs to both the father and mother of the deceased children.
Paying tribute to innocent civilians who perished during the war, Singh reflected on the painful memories associated with the historic bombing. He noted that the aerial attack on Khurai Chingangbam Mandop claimed the lives of more than a hundred innocent people and left a lasting impact on Manipuri society.
He also led attendees in offering Tarpan to honour the departed souls. Highlighting the historical significance of the Battle of Imphal, fought between Allied forces and the Japanese Army, Singh pointed out that the conflict resulted in the loss of over 20,000 lives.
“Such commemorations remind us of the tragic chapters in our history,” he said. On a proposal to recognise the historic bombing site as a heritage site, the Chief Minister assured that the government would examine the matter. A commemorative souvenir was also released during the programme to mark the occasion.
Later, Singh laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Women Market Shed at New Checkon, Imphal, to strengthen local infrastructure and provide improved facilities for women vendors. The event was attended by Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, along with eminent personalities, members of the Chingangbam Mandop Sevayat Committee, and representatives of the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation, among others.