Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 10 October met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss a range of issues concerning the conflict-affected state, according to officials. The visit marks one of the most significant engagements between Manipur's political leadership and the Centre since the ethnic unrest that has gripped the state.

What the Chief Minister Said

Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh posted on his official X account: 'It was a privilege to meet the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. His visionary leadership continues to inspire our commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and Viksit Manipur as part of Viksit Bharat.'

The Chief Minister has been in the national capital since 10 October, holding a series of high-level meetings with Union ministers.

Key Meetings with Union Ministers

Beyond his meeting with the Prime Minister, Khemchand Singh separately called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. All three ministers reportedly indicated they would visit Manipur in the near future.

Home Minister Shah, in a meeting on Thursday, assured the Chief Minister of the Centre's full support in restoring peace and ensuring progress in the state, as well as in fulfilling the aspirations of its people. A senior official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Imphal said Shah also appreciated the sustained efforts of the state government to bring peace and normalcy to Manipur.

Progress on Connectivity and Peace Efforts

During his meeting with the Home Minister, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh highlighted a notable milestone: the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur (Nagaland)-Guwahati bus service, which he said has provided much-needed relief to ordinary residents. This comes amid a broader effort to restore inter-state connectivity that had broken down during the prolonged conflict.

In a significant development, inter-state passenger bus services between Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland resumed on 21 August after a gap of more than three years — a tangible sign, according to the state government, that normalcy is gradually returning.

Broader Context

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic tensions since May 2023, when violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities left hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced. The Centre has repeatedly pledged support, but critics argue that a durable political resolution remains elusive. The Chief Minister's Delhi visit signals continued efforts to keep the state's concerns on the Union government's agenda, even as ground-level tensions persist in several districts.

With multiple Union ministers now expected to visit Manipur, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether the Centre's engagement translates into measurable progress on the ground.