Imphal, March 3 (NationPress) In a remarkable demonstration of cultural unity, 24 young individuals from four distinct communities in Manipur—Meitei, Kuki, Naga, and Meitei Pangal (Muslim)—have initiated an 11-day National Integration Tour. This tour will take them across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, as stated by officials on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed his delight that the tour participants embody an integrated Manipur, representing the various communities that inhabit the state.

The Chief Minister launched the National Integration Tour 2025-26 at the Assam Rifles complex in Keithelmanbi on Tuesday.

Organized by the 33 Battalion of the Assam Rifles, the tour will span cities such as Imphal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Mumbai, and Kolkata from March 3 to 13.

A total of 24 youths—with six representatives from each of the Meitei, Kuki, Naga, and Meitei Pangal (Muslim) communities—are participating in this initiative.

During his address, CM Khemchand Singh mentioned that amid the ethnic strife in the state, over 47,000 individuals from both the Meitei and Kuki communities were relocated to safer areas by the Assam Rifles to safeguard their well-being.

He praised the swift and dedicated actions of the Assam Rifles during this relocation process amid hostilities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that despite existing differences, the elders must not compromise the future of the youth.

“We should forgive and forget past grievances and work together towards peace and development in the state,” he remarked.

An interactive session was conducted where the Chief Minister personally engaged with the youth participants.

In a warm exchange with the Kuki participants, he greeted them in their native dialect, asking, “Bu nanehtaham” (Have you eaten?). The six Kuki youths responded, “Ka Ne Tai” (We have eaten).

During their interaction, he encouraged the participants to fully embrace the opportunity and gather meaningful experiences throughout the tour.

He also assured them of the unwavering support and assistance from the state government.

As a symbolic act of unity and inclusiveness, a group consisting of one member from each community was formed, receiving a flag to represent shared identity and collective harmony.

Participants were also provided with kits. During the event, Assam Rifles officials introduced the Chief Minister to a collective of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from various communities across the state, emphasizing the spirit of unity among the youth.

The program was attended by notable figures, including former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tarun Vijay, Brigadier Pratyush Kumar, and other students.