Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday, 30 October 2026, called upon the people of the state to collectively protect Manipur and preserve the cultural legacy left behind by their ancestors. He made the appeal while addressing the Annual Berkap-Reiju Festival 2026 as chief guest at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT) in Imphal.

The festival was organised by the Kom Union Manipur (KUM), representing the Kom community — one of Manipur's recognised tribal communities, classified as a non-Naga, non-Kuki tribe.

Unity Across 36 Communities

Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh underscored that Manipur has historically been protected by 36 different communities, who collectively resisted the British during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and the Burmese during the Seven Years' Devastation. He urged all communities to work together with a collective spirit toward a peaceful and harmonious Manipur.

The Chief Minister also recounted a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he informed the Prime Minister that these 36 communities have coexisted since the era of Manipur's ancient kings. He added that Prime Minister Modi had enquired whether an integrity committee comprising members from each community exists — to which Khemchand Singh replied that he is planning to constitute such a body.

Development Stalled, New Committee Proposed

Khemchand Singh expressed concern that all development activities in the state have been halted due to the ongoing crisis. He proposed forming a committee that would include one member from each of Manipur's communities to revive development momentum. He further said he would invite Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba to discuss how smaller communities with limited populations could be brought into the fold of this proposed committee.

Pointing to Manipur's legislative structure, the Chief Minister noted that several other states operate a bicameral legislature with both an Upper House and a Lower House. He suggested such a model could be considered for Manipur, subject to adequate resource mobilisation, as a means of giving representation to communities too small to elect their own MLA to the state assembly.

Singapore as a Model for Coexistence

Drawing an international comparison, Khemchand Singh cited Singapore as an example of multicultural harmony. He noted that Singapore, home to four major communities and more than 100 smaller communities, experienced severe ethnic strife in 1964 before its communities chose dialogue and coexistence — a path that transformed it into the nation with the highest per capita income in South-East Asia. He urged Manipur's communities to draw inspiration from Singapore's journey of perseverance, peace, and unity.

Celebrating the Kom Community's Contribution

Khemchand Singh acknowledged the Kom community's remarkable contribution to India's sporting legacy, citing MC Mary Kom — an Olympian from the community — as proof of Manipur's human resource strength. 'Such an example shows that we are hardworking and that the state has abundant human resources,' he said.

He also announced a grant of ₹5 lakh to the festival's organising committee.

The event was attended by MLAs Th. Arunkumar Singh and Th. Shanti Singh, along with Serto Ahao Kom, President of the Kom Union Manipur, Civil Society Organisation leaders, village chiefs, student leaders, and artistes. With the crisis having paused development across the state, the Chief Minister's call for a multi-community integrity committee signals a possible next step toward rebuilding institutional trust in Manipur.