Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh said his government would form a committee with representatives from all 36 communities in the state to promote peace, harmony and inclusive development.
The chief minister said the proposal follows a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether such a committee existed to bring all communities together.
Singh was speaking at an event Saturday held to felicitate hill chiefs of different tribes at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal.
The event followed the inauguration of the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House at Palace Compound as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival.
Singh said all communities have contributed to defending and safeguarding Manipur throughout, as he recalled the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years’ Devastation to pay tribute to the sacrifices made to protect the state’s land, identity and heritage.
The chief minister expressed hope that the festival would usher in peace and prosperity and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood.
He expressed happiness that people from the hill areas, including some who were earlier reluctant to visit Imphal, joined the festival this year.
He said the guest house is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of brotherhood between the hills and the valley.
The Mera Hou Chongba festival celebrates peace and brotherhood among different tribes and communities of the state.
