CM Khemchand praises public efforts to preserve Manipur’s archival records and launches the LDA website and Loktak Waterbird Census Report.
Imphal, Sept. 15: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday praised members of the public for preserving ancient manuscripts and archival records of Manipur, saying the documents provide valuable accounts of the State’s historical, cultural and knowledge traditions.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the 44th Archives Week Celebration and Records Exhibition-2026 at the Manipur State Archives Complex, Keishampat, Imphal, organised by the Department of Art & Culture.
Khemchand expressed appreciation for the archival documents and ancient manuscripts brought by members of the public from their homes for display at the exhibition. He said their efforts reflected their attachment to Manipur and welcomed the initiative to bring privately preserved historical materials into public view.
He said Manipur’s ancient texts, or Puyas, contain records covering several aspects of the society of earlier periods, including archaeological remains, traditional house architecture, lifestyles, chronicles, accounts of queens and knowledge of medicinal plants.
Honoured to grace the 44th Archives Week Celebration and Records Exhibition - 2026 at the Manipur State Archives Complex, Keishampat, Imphal West, organised by the Department of Art & Culture.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) September 15, 2026
The celebration was attended by Hon'ble Minister, Art & Culture, Shri Kh. Loken… pic.twitter.com/Na96143ZmS
According to the Chief Minister, these records offer insights into the knowledge systems and historical identity of Manipur and form an important part of the foundations of Manipuri society.
Khemchand also spoke about the importance of the Meitei script, describing the preservation of an indigenous script as a matter of pride for the State. He noted that Manipur has its own script within the wider linguistic and cultural diversity of India.
The Chief Minister also said the government was considering incentives for individuals who have preserved and safeguarded ancient records over the years. He said he had consulted the Minister and Commissioner of Art & Culture and directed the department to submit a proposal to the State Cabinet.
The government, he added, was prepared to extend assistance to take the proposal forward at the earliest.
Recalling Manipur’s historical legacy, Khemchand referred to the formation of what he described as the first democratic form of government in Asia on October 18, 1948. He said such historical events and milestones are documented in archival materials, making their preservation important for future generations.
During the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated the New Stack Room Building of the Manipur State Archives and launched the Reading and Teaching Programme on old archaic scripts. He also released the 2026 archival publication, Colonial Tour Records of Manipur.
The Records Exhibition, featuring archival materials relating to Manipur’s history and heritage, was also opened during the programme.
Manuscript donors whose contributions were displayed included Nongmaithem Phulendro Meitei, Thoudam Bimolchandra Singh, Laisom Hemjit, Yengkhom Amuthoi Meitei and Chingakham Dorendro.
The event was attended by Art & Culture and Tourism Minister Kh. Loken Singh, Secretary Art & Culture N. Praveen Singh, department officials, archival custodians, manuscript donors and other invitees.
LDA website and Loktak waterbird census report launched
Separately, Chief Minister Khemchand launched the official website of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and released the Waterbird Census Report – Loktak Ramsar 2026 at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal.
The LDA website is intended to provide information on Loktak Lake, conservation programmes, projects and activities of the authority, while also facilitating transparency and public participation.
It was an honour to launch the official website of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and release the Waterbird Census Report at my Secretariat today.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) September 15, 2026
The programme marks an important step towards strengthening digital access to information on the activities of the LDA and… pic.twitter.com/2hqvGkEcFE
The Waterbird Census Report contains data on the population and diversity of waterbirds recorded in and around Loktak Lake. The information is intended to support biodiversity conservation and habitat management.
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast and supports biodiversity as well as the livelihoods of local communities and fisherfolk. The LDA has been undertaking measures related to the protection, conservation, restoration and sustainable management of the lake and its associated wetlands.
The launch programme was attended by Minister Kh. Loken Singh, MLA Th. Shanti Singh, MLA K. Robindro Singh, MLA Dr Y. Radheshyam, MLA I. Nalini Devi, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, LDA Chairman A.K. Sinha, LDA Project Director H. Balkrisna Singh and other officials.
