Imphal — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced on Saturday that the state government will initiate steps to establish a committee representing all 36 communities of Manipur to strengthen unity, peace and harmony across the state, Tripura Net reported.

Source: Tripura Net

The Chief Minister said the proposal followed a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about whether a committee existed to bring all communities of Manipur together, according to Nation Press. He said he would consult Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all Members of the Legislative Assembly before proceeding.

Source: Nation Press

Singh made the announcement while addressing a felicitation ceremony for hill chiefs representing different tribes of Manipur at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Imphal, as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026, NEWire reported. Earlier in the day he inaugurated the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs' Guest House at Palace Compound, built at a cost of Rs 7.12 crore (yaani about Rs 7 crore) with North Eastern Council funding.

Source: NEWire

Appeal for public support

Appealing to the public to support the effort, the Chief Minister said the committee would aim to create a more cohesive social environment, encourage mutual understanding and promote inclusive development among the state's diverse communities. He recalled that Manipur's history reflected the contributions and sacrifices of all its communities, including during the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years' Devastation.

Manipur has been scarred by ethnic conflict since May 2023, and successive state leaders have called for unity among its Meitei, Kuki-Zo, Naga and other communities. The proposed committee's composition and timeline have not yet been announced.