Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Monday said his government would ensure the safety of every person from the Kuki-Zo community visiting the state capital, Imphal, underscoring the administration’s responsibility to protect all citizens.
Addressing a public function, Singh said the government would not allow any harm to come to members of the Kuki-Zo community in Imphal, where the Meitei community is in the majority. “The State government will take full responsibility for the security of any Kuki-Zo individual who comes to Imphal for medical treatment or any other purpose,” he said.
Recounting a recent episode, the Chief Minister said that Churachandpur MLA Vungzagin Valte had contacted him a day earlier to congratulate him and express his willingness to assist in restoring peace. “Later, his son called me seeking medical assistance for Valte,” Singh said.
He said immediate steps were taken in coordination with doctors at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, and the State Health Department to guide and supervise Valte’s treatment while he was still in Churachandpur. Doctors in Imphal remained in constant touch with the medical team at Churachandpur Medical College Hospital through teleconferencing, he added.
Taking personal charge of the situation, Singh said he also arranged an air ambulance to evacuate the BJP MLA, who represents the Thanlon Assembly constituency. Valte’s condition remained critical through the night, officials said.
The Chief Minister received Valte at Imphal Airport at around 4.20 p.m., interacted with his family members and wished him a speedy recovery. “Pu Valte, please come back after you have fully recovered. I will wait for your return,” Singh said. The air ambulance subsequently departed from Imphal at around 4.30 p.m.
Singh took oath as Chief Minister last week, following a year of President’s Rule in the conflict-torn state.