News Desk: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has announced plans to form a committee representing all 36 communities in the state to promote peace, harmony and unity. The proposed initiative follows a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about whether a dedicated body existed to bring the different communities together.
Speaking on Saturday at a felicitation ceremony for hill chiefs representing various tribes, Singh said the state government would begin the process of forming the committee. The event was held at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal, following the inauguration of the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House at Palace Compound.
The inauguration took place as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026, a traditional celebration that symbolises unity, brotherhood and peaceful relations among the people of Manipur.
Singh said he would consult Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all MLAs before proceeding with the proposed committee. He also appealed to the people of the state to support the initiative, expressing hope that it would strengthen mutual trust and encourage inclusive development.
Manipur is home to 36 ethnic communities, making social cohesion an important issue for the state. The chief minister said all these communities had played a role in protecting and preserving Manipur's heritage. He stressed that this shared history should serve as a foundation for peace, understanding and cooperation.
Singh also expressed hope that the Mera Hou Chongba Festival would help usher in peace and prosperity while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among the state's diverse population.
The newly inaugurated Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House is expected to improve connections between the hill and valley communities by providing accommodation for visitors travelling to Imphal. The facility is also intended to encourage greater interaction during cultural events and other shared occasions.
Recalling Manipur's history, the chief minister noted that the state's Maharaja had previously travelled to and stayed in the hill areas for more than 100 days each year. He referred to this tradition as an example of the longstanding relationship between different parts of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba said that hill residents travelling to Imphal for Mera Hou Chongba had earlier depended on hotels for accommodation. With the new guest house now available, hill chiefs can gather at the facility to participate in the festival. He also expressed appreciation for the government's efforts to establish the infrastructure.
The guest house has been constructed at a sanctioned cost of approximately ₹7.12 crore under a North Eastern Council scheme. The funding comes through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, while the Manipur government's Department of Tourism served as the implementing agency. The Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd. carried out the construction work.
The proposed committee and the new guest house represent efforts to encourage dialogue and strengthen relationships among Manipur's communities. The success of the initiative will depend on sustained cooperation, meaningful participation and continued efforts to build trust across the state.
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