Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Appeals To Meiteis For Greater Role In Peacebuilding

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday appealed to the majority Meitei community to play the role of a “big brother and big sister” in efforts to resolve the state's prolonged ethnic conflict. Speaking at a meeting with prominent artistes at his official residence in Babupara, Imphal, the Chief Minister stressed the need to rebuild trust and promote peace among communities affected by the violence.

Khemchand Singh said the conflict, which initially emerged between two communities, has now evolved into a crisis involving three communities. He argued that restoring normal relations would require efforts to bridge the social divisions that developed during the violence. The Chief Minister also recalled an instance from the crisis when he had requested MLA Letzamang Haokip to help protect the lives of 120 Meitei labourers in Churachandpur, saying the episode demonstrated why an entire community should not be blamed for the actions of individuals.

The Chief Minister said rebuilding trust would require communities to move beyond the barriers created during the conflict and revive relationships that existed before the crisis. He pointed to Jiribam district, which borders southern Assam, as an example, stating that the area had returned to normalcy and communities were living peacefully without mistrust. He also reiterated the state government's support for implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur and appreciated artistes who had raised the issue.

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The meeting focused on the potential role of art and culture in spreading messages of peace and harmony. Art and Culture, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, who organised the gathering, assured artistes of government support and urged them to use their work to promote unity. Stage artiste Shougrakpam Hemanta proposed producing a Shumang Leela titled “Ei Manipuri Ni”, or “I am Manipuri”, to highlight the shared identity of the state's people.

Several artistes also offered suggestions for supporting peace-building initiatives. Actor Gokul Athokpam proposed that artistes travel to areas along National Highway 2 to interact with different communities, while seeking adequate security arrangements. Singer Konthoujam Bobin urged artistes to remain united regardless of community background, while Tangkhul Naga folk artiste Guru Rewben Mashangva stressed the importance of recognising a shared Manipuri identity.

Actress Chanam Lilabati urged greater use of social media to engage young people in peace-building and promote messages of harmony. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Art and Culture Secretary Naorem Praveen Singh and Chief Minister's Media Advisor Oinam Sunil Singh, along with several artistes. The government and participating artistes emphasised cultural engagement as one avenue for rebuilding social bonds and encouraging reconciliation in the state.

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