Full Breakdown
Manipur CM Announces Committee of All 36 Communities to Promote Peace and Development
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Core Announcement (October 24, 2026)
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the state government will initiate the formation of a committee that represents all 36 ethnic communities in Manipur. The proposal follows a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about whether such a body already exists to bring the communities together. Singh made the statement while addressing a felicitation ceremony for hill chiefs at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal.
Background & Context
The announcement was delivered during the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026, a traditional celebration that emphasizes peace, brotherhood and cultural unity among the state’s hill and valley populations. The festival coincides with the inauguration of a new Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House at the Palace Compound, intended to provide accommodation for hill-area visitors and to foster interaction during shared cultural events.
Proposed Committee Structure and Purpose
Singh indicated that the committee will be consulted with all Manipur MLAs and Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, the ceremonial head of the former royal family. The body is expected to:
- Promote cohesion among the 36 communities.
- Advance peace, harmony and inclusive development across the state.
The chief minister urged the public to support the committee’s formation and emphasized that the initiative builds on the historical contributions of all communities to the defense and preservation of Manipur’s land, identity and heritage.
Related Infrastructure Initiative
The same day, the newly constructed Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House was inaugurated. The facility was built under the North Eastern Council (NEC) scheme with funding from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur acted as the implementing agency, while construction was executed by the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd., Imphal. The sanctioned cost of the guest house is approximately Rs 7.1238 crore.
Official Statements & Responses
- Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba noted that, unlike previous years when hill-area participants had to stay in hotels, the new guest house will allow hill chiefs to gather on-site during the festival, and he expressed confidence that the government’s effort will be remembered by the people of Manipur.
Timeline
| Date (occurred) | Event |
|---|---|
| October 24, 2026 | CM Singh announces plan for a 36-community committee; addresses hill chiefs ceremony; guest house inauguration as part of Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026. |
| October 24, 2026 | Guest house inauguration completed; cost disclosed at ~Rs 7.1238 crore. |
Data & Statistics
- 36 recognized ethnic communities in Manipur.
- Rs 7.1238 crore – sanctioned cost for the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House.
- Guest house built under NEC scheme with DoNER funding; implemented by the Department of Tourism and executed by Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd.
What’s Next
Singh said the government will consult all MLAs and Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba on the committee’s composition and mandate. The chief minister called on the public to back the initiative, indicating that further details on the committee’s structure and timeline will be communicated after these consultations.