Manipur sought enhanced development support and post-conflict assistance at the 73rd NEC Plenary in Shillong, where Northeast growth, connectivity and peace were key themes.
Shillong/Imphal, June 4: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday used the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong to press for greater support for the state's recovery and development needs, while emphasising reconciliation and inclusive growth in the aftermath of the violence that erupted in May 2023.
The plenary session, chaired by Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman Amit Shah, brought together Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight Northeastern states, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The meeting focused on regional development priorities, connectivity, investment, peace-building and long-term planning for the Northeast.
For Manipur, the session came at a crucial juncture as the state continues to navigate the social and economic consequences of ethnic violence that displaced thousands of people and disrupted normal development activities over the past three years.
The 73rd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council convened in Shillong under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah. pic.twitter.com/utZ5wBnhfV
— NorthEasternCouncil (@NEC_GoI) June 4, 2026
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh acknowledged the support extended by the Centre to the Northeast and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for what he described as sustained efforts to promote peace, progress and prosperity across the region.
The Chief Minister highlighted the implementation of 167 projects worth nearly ?1,792 crore in Manipur under various schemes supported by the NEC and the Ministry of DoNER. These projects span infrastructure, connectivity, social welfare and developmental initiatives aimed at improving public services and economic opportunities across the state.
However, he stressed that Manipur's current circumstances require additional support. Referring to the state's efforts to rebuild after the 2023 violence, Khemchand Singh urged the Centre to enhance Manipur's normative allocation under both the NEC and DoNER frameworks.
He told the Council that the state government remains committed to dialogue and reconciliation as the primary means of addressing the challenges arising from the conflict. According to the Chief Minister, the government's approach is centred on justice, economic inclusion and patient reconciliation to restore confidence among communities and create conditions for lasting peace.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by the state government. Among them was the provision of free medical treatment to around 1.4 lakh beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat and the Chief Ministergi Hakshelgi Tengbang scheme, with healthcare support amounting to more than ?181 crore.
Manipur further urged the NEC and the Centre to consider establishing a dedicated North East Climate Resilience Fund, citing the growing impact of climate-related challenges across the region. The state also sought the inclusion of additional districts and blocks under the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes to accelerate development in underserved areas.
The broader discussions at the NEC meeting reflected the Centre's vision for transforming the Northeast into a major economic and strategic growth region.
Addressing the plenary, Amit Shah said the Northeast had undergone significant changes over the past 12 years, driven by sustained policy attention and investment. He noted that improved law and order, peace agreements and infrastructure expansion had laid the foundation for accelerated development.
According to Shah, more than 12 peace accords have been signed in the region over the past decade, while over 10,800 youth have joined the mainstream after laying down arms. He said civilian casualties linked to insurgency have declined substantially during this period.
The Home Minister also emphasised the importance of connectivity, investment and industrialisation. He pointed to major initiatives including semiconductor manufacturing in Assam, healthcare infrastructure development and the expansion of logistics networks connecting the Northeast with the rest of India and neighbouring countries.
For Manipur, Shah identified Imphal as one of the cities envisioned as a future multimodal logistics hub, alongside Guwahati and Agartala. He stressed the importance of completing such projects within stipulated timelines through continuous monitoring and coordination.
The Home Minister further called for stronger efforts to tackle narcotics trafficking, improve routine policing and strengthen access to justice through the implementation of new criminal laws and technology-driven governance.
A significant portion of the discussions also focused on preserving the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Northeast. Shah noted that the region is home to more than 200 tribal communities and nearly 200 languages and dialects, describing this diversity as one of the Northeast's greatest strengths.
He urged states to actively preserve indigenous languages, traditions and cultural identities while pursuing economic growth. The Centre also encouraged states to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for local products and expand opportunities in wellness tourism, healthcare and sustainable development.
The plenary session underscored the dual priorities currently shaping the Northeast's trajectory: addressing longstanding developmental gaps while ensuring peace and stability in a region that has witnessed significant political and social transformation in recent years.
For Manipur, the discussions carried particular significance. As the state seeks to recover from one of the most challenging periods in its recent history, its appeal for enhanced support reflects both immediate rehabilitation needs and longer-term aspirations for inclusive growth within the broader Northeast development framework.
