Manipur CM Khemchand Singh renews peace appeal, meets Randeep Hooda in Imphal
Synopsis
Manipur's new Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh used a meeting with actor Randeep Hooda and his wife Lin Laishram — a Manipur native — to amplify his peace message, pointing to early progress in Jiribam as proof that community trust can be rebuilt. Hooda's own public appeal adds a rare celebrity voice to a conflict that has gripped the state for over two years.
Key Takeaways
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh renewed his peace appeal on 16 July during a meeting with actor Randeep Hooda and actress Lin Laishram in Imphal .
The CM cited progress in Jiribam district , saying the trust deficit among communities has 'significantly reduced' and residents have resumed living together.
Khemchand Singh described the prolonged unrest as 'deeply painful,' acknowledging loss of lives and extensive property damage across the state.
The state government has committed to the safe rehabilitation of displaced residents and the restoration of normal life in affected areas.
Randeep Hooda issued a public appeal urging all communities to unite, embrace peace, and work toward a brighter future for Manipur.
The couple — married in a traditional Meitei ceremony in Imphal in November 2023 — shared a traditional khichri meal with the Chief Minister and his wife after the meeting.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday, 16 July renewed his appeal to citizens from all communities to actively back the state's ongoing peace process, calling for the restoration of lasting harmony and mutual trust across Manipur. The appeal came during a meeting with actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda and his wife, actress and entrepreneur Linthoingambi (Lin) Laishram, at the Chief Minister's Bungalow in Babupara, Imphal.
What Was Said at the Meeting
Randeep Hooda congratulated Khemchand Singh on assuming office under difficult law-and-order conditions and expressed confidence in Manipur's eventual return to normalcy. The Chief Minister, in response, acknowledged the scale of the challenge but said he remains optimistic that sustained efforts and broad societal cooperation would deliver peace.
Khemchand Singh also recalled his recent peace initiative in the Jiribam district, noting that the trust deficit among communities there had narrowed considerably and that residents had begun living together again. He described the prolonged unrest as 'deeply painful and unfortunate,' citing the loss of lives and widespread property destruction.
Government's Commitment to Rehabilitation
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguarding citizens' lives and interests, and to ensuring the safe rehabilitation of displaced residents across affected areas. He urged all communities to support the peace process so that a cohesive social environment could be rebuilt across the state.
The discussions also touched on Manipur's rich cultural heritage and the potential role of art and cinema in promoting peace and unity — a theme that resonated with both guests given their backgrounds in the entertainment industry.
Who Are the Guests
Randeep Hooda is widely recognised for producing, directing, and portraying the lead role in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a biographical film on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. He has also earned international recognition for his performance in the Hollywood action thriller Extraction.
Linthoingambi (Lin) Laishram, a native of Manipur, is an actress, model, entrepreneur, and former national-level archer. She has appeared in several Hindi films and web series and is known for championing Manipur's cultural heritage, traditions, and handloom products on national and international platforms. The couple were married in November 2023 in a traditional Meitei wedding ceremony in Imphal and are now parents to a daughter.
Hooda's Appeal and a Shared Meal
Following the formal interaction, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh and his wife shared a traditional khichri meal with the couple in a warm, informal setting. Randeep Hooda subsequently issued a public appeal urging the people of Manipur to rise above their differences, unite as one human family, and embrace peace, compassion, and mutual understanding for a brighter future for the state.
The visit underscores the role that public figures with roots in or ties to Manipur can play in amplifying the peace message at a time when the state continues to work toward full normalcy.
Point of View
Not in Babupara drawing rooms: the Jiribam progress the CM cited is localised, and the broader ethnic fault lines that drove over two years of violence have not been structurally resolved. Celebrity diplomacy can shift sentiment at the margins; it cannot substitute for political negotiation between communities. The question mainstream coverage is not asking is whether the Centre's involvement in that negotiation is deepening or receding.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh meet Randeep Hooda?
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met actor Randeep Hooda and his wife Lin Laishram at his official residence in Imphal on 16 July to discuss Manipur's peace process and cultural heritage. The meeting was also an opportunity for the CM to renew his appeal to all communities to support the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy.
What did Randeep Hooda say about Manipur's peace situation?
Randeep Hooda congratulated CM Khemchand Singh on assuming office under difficult circumstances and expressed confidence in the state's return to normalcy. After the meeting, he issued a public appeal urging all communities in Manipur to rise above differences, unite as one human family, and embrace peace and mutual understanding.
What progress has Manipur's government reported in the peace process?
CM Khemchand Singh cited the Jiribam district as an example of progress, saying the trust deficit among communities there has significantly reduced and people have begun living together again. The state government has also committed to safe rehabilitation of displaced residents across all affected areas.
Who is Lin Laishram and what is her connection to Manipur?
Linthoingambi (Lin) Laishram is a Manipur-born actress, model, entrepreneur, and former national-level archer who has appeared in several Hindi films and web series. She is known for promoting Manipur's cultural heritage, traditions, and handloom products at national and international platforms, and is married to Randeep Hooda since November 2023.
What is the current situation in Manipur?
Manipur has been experiencing prolonged ethnic unrest that has resulted in loss of lives and extensive property damage, according to the Chief Minister. The state government says it is making every possible effort to restore normalcy, with recent peace initiatives in districts like Jiribam showing early signs of progress.
