Peace committee to be formed, announces CM

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 24 : Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today announced that the State Government would initiate the formation of a committee representing all 36 communities of Manipur to promote peace and foster unity among them.
He made the statement during a felicitation ceremony for hill chiefs representing different tribes of Manipur at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat today, following the inauguration of the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House earlier today at Palace Compound, Imphal as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026.
The Chief Minister said the initiative followed a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether such a committee existed to bring all communities together.
He said he would consult former Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all MLAs on the proposed committee and appealed to the public to extend support towards its formation.
The committee would aim to foster a cohesive environment among the communities and promote peace, harmony and inclusive development in the State, he added.
Emphasising the importance of unity and collective responsibility, Khemchand said all communities of Manipur had contributed to defending and safeguarding the State through their sacrifices and contributions throughout history.
Recalling historical events, including the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years’ Devastation, he highlighted how the people of Manipur had faced challenges together to protect their land, identity and heritage.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that Mera Hou Chongba 2026 would usher in peace and prosperity and further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, unity and togetherness among the people of the State.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House at Palace Compound, Imphal.
Speaking at the inauguration, he described the completion of the guest house, coinciding with Mera Hou Chongba, as an emotional and meaningful occasion.
He lauded Leishemba Sanajaoba for his initiative and persistent efforts in pursuing the project with the Government.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness that many people from the hill areas, including those who had previously been reluctant to visit Imphal for Mera Hou Chongba, had come to participate in the festival this year.
He said the guest house is not merely an infrastructure facility but also a symbol of brotherhood between the hills and the valley.
It would provide a welcoming place for people from the hill areas visiting Imphal and encourage greater interaction among communities, he added.
Recalling Manipur’s history, Khemchand noted that the Maharaja of Manipur had, in the past, travelled to and stayed in the hill areas for more than 100 days a year.
He reiterated that all 36 communities had contributed to protecting and preserving Manipur and stressed the need to carry forward this legacy of shared responsibility through mutual trust, peace and understanding.
Leishemba Sanajaoba, on the other hand, said that in previous years, people from the hill areas who came to participate in Mera Hou Chongba had to stay in hotels.
This year, however, the hill chiefs would gather at the newly established guest house to celebrate the festival, he added.
He also said the Government’s efforts in establishing the facility would be remembered by the people of Manipur.
The Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House was constructed at a sanctioned cost of around Rs 7.1238 crore under a North Eastern Council (NEC) scheme, with support from the NEC under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
The Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, is the implementing agency, while the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd., Imphal, executed the construction work.