Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla visited Chandel district, a strategic border district adjoining Myanmar. His visit on May 6, 2025, underscored the central and state governments’ joint focus on uplifting remote tribal areas while also strengthening the security infrastructure in this sensitive region.
Chandel, located in southeastern Manipur, is one of the state’s most critical districts due to its proximity to the Indo-Myanmar border, where both development and security dynamics are constantly evolving. Governor Bhalla’s visit was aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of ground realities, interacting with local communities, and accelerating the implementation of welfare and infrastructure projects.
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Governor Emphasizes Balanced Development and Security
During his interaction with the district administration and security personnel, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla stressed the importance of parallel efforts in development and security. He reiterated that peace and progress must go hand-in-hand, particularly in border regions like Chandel, which have historically faced challenges related to insurgency, connectivity, and access to basic amenities.
He reviewed ongoing projects under schemes such as PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana), Jal Jeevan Mission, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, emphasizing timely completion and quality assurance. The Governor also took note of local grievances, especially those concerning road connectivity, drinking water supply, and healthcare access.
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast, he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always given top priority to the development of the Northeast. The people of Chandel deserve the same access to facilities and growth opportunities as those in urban centres.”
Security Readiness Along Indo-Myanmar Border
Apart from developmental issues, the review of border security formed a crucial part of the Governor’s agenda. Chandel shares a porous and rugged border with Myanmar, which makes it vulnerable to cross-border insurgency, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.
Governor Bhalla met with top officials of the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, discussing the security challenges and the need for better coordination between civil and security administrations. He appreciated the efforts made by the security forces in maintaining law and order, particularly in times of ethnic tension and insurgency-related threats.
Officials briefed him about surveillance operations, intelligence coordination, and ongoing measures to seal vulnerable stretches of the international border. The Governor urged continuous vigilance and community cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Engaging with Tribal Communities
An important part of the Governor’s itinerary was his interaction with local tribal leaders, women’s groups, and youth organizations. He visited remote villages where he listened to the concerns of the people and assured them of the government’s attention to their problems.
Women leaders brought up issues like lack of vocational training, high dropout rates among tribal children, and inadequate maternal healthcare. The Governor promised to take these matters to the appropriate ministries and push for tailored welfare programs.
Governor Bhalla also encouraged youth participation in governance and appealed to them to stay away from drug abuse and insurgent activities. He emphasized education, skill development, and entrepreneurship as key pathways to prosperity in Chandel district.
A Step Towards Inclusive Governance
The Governor’s visit was widely appreciated as a gesture of inclusive governance and empathy. By stepping into far-flung tribal areas, he demonstrated the administration’s intent to bridge the gap between the centre and the grassroots. His comprehensive review also sets the stage for more focused policy intervention in border districts of Manipur.
With the dual goals of boosting Chandel district development and enhancing Manipur border security, the visit is expected to reinvigorate government initiatives in the region and strengthen the trust of local communities in the democratic process.
The review by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Chandel is a timely reminder of the state’s strategic and humanitarian priorities. Development, when coupled with robust security, can pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity in border regions. For Manipur and the larger Northeast, such initiatives are not just about regional upliftment but are also vital for national security and unity.
