Manipur Chief Minister Proposes New Committee for Community Harmony

In a bid to foster peace and unity among the diverse communities of Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has proposed the formation of a new committee representing all 36 communities. This initiative comes in response to inquiries from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aims to address the challenges posed by previous ethnic conflicts. While the proposal has sparked hope for improved dialogue and collaboration, questions remain about its structure and the willingness of all parties to participate. The Chief Minister emphasizes the importance of shared history and collective responsibility in achieving lasting harmony. As the state seeks to heal from past violence, the success of this new committee will be crucial in building trust and ensuring meaningful progress towards peace.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 25, 2026, 13:16 IST

New Initiative for Peace in Manipur

CM Singh attends a felicitation ceremony for hill tribal chiefs at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal on Sunday. (AT Photo)

Imphal, Oct 25: Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, has put forward a proposal to establish a committee that would represent all 36 communities in the state, aiming to foster peace and harmony. This initiative has reignited discussions regarding a previous peace panel that was created in response to the ethnic violence that erupted in 2023.

The Chief Minister's proposal was prompted by a question from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inquired about the existence of a committee dedicated to uniting all communities.

During a felicitation event for hill tribal chiefs held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Khemchand stated, “I will consult with Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all MLAs regarding the proposed committee and urge the public to support its establishment.”

Despite the announcement, the Chief Minister has yet to clarify the committee's structure, the selection process for its members, or a timeline for its formation.

There are also lingering uncertainties about whether representatives from all communities, particularly those involved in the ethnic conflict, will be willing to participate, and how effective dialogue can lead to meaningful progress towards peace.

Highlighting Manipur’s collective history, the Chief Minister remarked that all communities have played a role in protecting the state. He referenced significant historical events like the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years’ Devastation, emphasizing the importance of preserving this legacy through mutual trust and shared responsibility.

Khemchand expressed optimism that the Mera Hou Chongba festival would enhance brotherhood and unity among the populace.

This new committee proposal comes over three years after the central government established a peace committee in June 2023, following the outbreak of ethnic violence in the region.

The previous committee, led by then-Governor Anusuiya Uikey, included the Chief Minister, various ministers, MPs, MLAs, political figures, and representatives from different ethnic groups. Its goal was to facilitate dialogue and negotiations among conflicting parties while promoting social cohesion and mutual understanding.

However, the initiative faced challenges in gaining widespread acceptance. Kuki representatives and organizations raised objections regarding the inclusion of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh and expressed concerns about the committee's composition, which hindered efforts to create a forum that was acceptable to all conflicting parties.

In this context, the success of the proposed committee in securing participation from diverse communities will be vital for its credibility.