PM Modi Holds Crucial Meeting with New Manipur Leadership in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a significant meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with his two deputies, Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen, in New Delhi. This marked the first direct interaction between the Prime Minister and the newly installed leadership of the northeastern hill state since they assumed their official responsibilities on February 4.
Post-Swearing-In Discussions Focus on Peace and Normalcy
The meeting comes just days after all three Manipur leaders had already convened with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday. According to an official statement released by the Chief Minister's office, Shah engaged in detailed discussions regarding the specific steps the new government should implement to dismantle barriers between different communities in Manipur.
The Home Minister assured the delegation of the Central government's full support and all possible assistance to restore peace and normalcy in the state, which has been grappling with ethnic tensions.
A Fresh Chapter in Manipur's Governance
BJP's Yumnam Khemchand Singh was formally sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on February 4. This ceremony reinstated the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the state. The event was notable for the inclusion of Kuki legislator Nemcha Kipgen and Naga MLA Losii Dikho as Deputy Chief Ministers, introducing a novel approach to shared governance in a multi-ethnic state deeply affected by the Meitei-Kuki conflict.
The oath-taking ceremony at Lok Bhavan, presided over by Governor AK Bhalla, also saw the induction of BJP's Konthoujam Govindas and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the National People's Party (NPP) as cabinet ministers. This development concluded nearly a year of President's Rule, which was imposed after former Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid criticism of his administration's handling of the violence that erupted in May 2023.
Chief Minister's Commitment to Unity and Peace
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, a former assembly speaker belonging to the state's majority Meitei community, expressed his profound dedication to fulfilling the trust placed in him by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah. In remarks to reporters, he emphasized the collective responsibility of Manipur's diverse population.
"Manipur is home to 36 distinct communities. Our hope and efforts rest on the cooperation of all of them to help establish a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere across the state," stated CM Khemchand Singh.
Path to Government Formation
Prior to the government's formation, Khemchand Singh, as the elected leader of the BJP legislature party, formally approached the Governor to stake claim. He was accompanied by central observer Tarun Chugh, BJP's northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, and former Chief Minister Biren Singh, among other key figures, underscoring the party's coordinated effort to establish a stable administration in Manipur.
