Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on October 24 that the state government would form a peace committee representing all 36 communities.
The announcement followed a direct question from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about whether a unified body existed to promote communal harmony and reconciliation.
The Chief Minister’s Secretariat also denied recent media reports about the possible creation of a Territorial Council in Manipur, calling the claims baseless and fabricated.
Singh announced the plan at a felicitation ceremony for hill chiefs held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026. He said the proposed committee would promote inclusive development, peace and long-term unity among the state’s communities.
Before finalising the committee, Singh said he would consult former Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all state legislators. He also urged the public to support the initiative.
The state government also clarified the purpose of a courtesy call on October 22 involving Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Boro, retired Lieutenant General RP Kalita and retired Intelligence Bureau Special Director AK Mishra.
According to a press release, the brief meeting focused on restoring normalcy and promoting reconciliation among communities. The release said no issues contrary to the aspirations or interests of Manipur’s people were discussed.
The proposed committee would bring together the state’s recognised communities, including the valley-based Meitei and Meitei-Pangal communities and 33 Scheduled Tribes from the Naga and Kuki-Zo groups.
Singh said every community had a historical responsibility to protect the state. He also reaffirmed that the BJP-led government remained committed to safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity.