Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh calls for unity among 36 communities at the Kom tribe's Berkap-Reiju Festival and proposes an inclusive committee.
Imphal, Oct. 30: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday called upon the people of the state to protect Manipur's territorial integrity, preserve the legacy of their forefathers and work collectively towards peace and harmony among its 36 communities.
The Chief Minister made the appeal while attending the Annual Berkap-Reiju Festival, 2026, of the Kom community as chief guest at the Banquet Hall of the Arts and Culture (BOAT), Imphal. The festival was organised by the Kom Union Manipur (KUM).
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said Manipur had been protected through the sacrifices and contributions of its different communities. He referred to the resistance against British forces during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and the struggles during the Seven Years Devastation, stating that people from different communities had fought to safeguard the land.
He urged the people to recognise this shared historical legacy and work together with a collective spirit to build a peaceful and harmonious Manipur.
CM Discusses Proposed Committee Representing 36 Communities with PM
Referring to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said he had apprised the latter that Manipur was inhabited by 36 different communities which had coexisted since the time of the erstwhile monarchy.
He also informed the Prime Minister that development activities in the state had come to a halt following the sudden crisis.
According to Khemchand Singh, the Prime Minister had asked whether Manipur had an integrity committee comprising representatives from all its communities. The Chief Minister said he had informed Modi that he was planning to constitute such a committee.
He said the proposed body would provide an opportunity for different communities to participate in discussions concerning the state's future and collective interests.
The Chief Minister also drew attention to the position of smaller communities with limited populations, some of which had not been able to elect a member of their own community to the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
He said such communities should also have opportunities to participate in development-related discussions and decision-making processes.
Suggests Representation for Smaller Communities
Discussing possible institutional arrangements, Khemchand Singh referred to the bicameral legislative systems followed in some other states, which have both Upper and Lower Houses.
He suggested that a similar model could be considered for Manipur, while acknowledging that resource mobilisation would be necessary to explore such an arrangement.
The Chief Minister further announced that he would invite Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba for discussions on ways to ensure that smaller communities receive attention in development activities.
He said he would discuss the possibility of including one representative from each community in the proposed committee so that smaller communities would also have a voice in matters concerning the state.
Cites Mary Kom as Example of Manipur's Human Resource Potential
Highlighting Manipur's contribution to sports despite its relatively small population, the Chief Minister described the state as the powerhouse of Indian sports.
He cited the achievements of Olympic boxer MC Mary Kom, who belongs to the Kom community, as an example of the talent and potential found across Manipur's communities.
He said the achievement demonstrated that the state possessed abundant human resources and that its people were hardworking and capable of excelling in different fields.
The Chief Minister also referred to Singapore as an example of how different communities could coexist and contribute to national development.
He said Singapore was home to four major communities and more than 100 smaller communities. Referring to the communal conflicts of 1964, he said the communities subsequently engaged in dialogue and chose to live together in harmony.
Khemchand Singh said Manipur could draw lessons from Singapore's experience, particularly in promoting perseverance, peace, harmony, coexistence and unity.
He attributed Singapore's development to these qualities and noted its position as a country with high per capita income in Southeast Asia.
Rs 5 Lakh Announced for Festival Organisers
During the programme, the Chief Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the organising committee of the Berkap-Reiju Festival.
The Berkap-Reiju Festival is an important traditional and cultural festival of the Kom tribe of Manipur. It serves as a platform for reviving and celebrating the community's cultural heritage, distinct identity, traditional values and collective unity.
The programme was attended by MLAs Th. Arunkumar Singh and Th. Shanti Singh, Kom Union Manipur president Serto Ahao Kom, representatives of civil society organisations, village chiefs, student leaders and artistes.
The festival brought together members of the Kom community and other participants to celebrate their cultural traditions and reaffirm the importance of preserving their distinct heritage.
