Guwahati: Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday said the govt would form a committee with representatives from all 36 communities in the state following a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether such a panel existed to unite all communities.Khemchand said this while speaking at a felicitation of hill chiefs of different tribes at the Darbar Hall of the CM’s secretariat. The event was organised as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026. It followed the inauguration of the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House at the Palace Compound in Imphal.“The chief minister said that he will consult Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all the MLAs regarding the committee and urged public to help formation of the committee. The proposed committee would aim to foster a cohesive environment among the communities and promote peace, harmony and inclusive development in the state,” the CM’s secretariat stated.Stressing unity and collective responsibility, the CM said all 36 communities of the state had defended Manipur through their contributions and sacrifices, recalling the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years’ Devastation. He expressed hope that the festival would usher in peace and prosperity and strengthen brotherhood.At the guest house, Khemchand called its completion during Mera Hou Chongba an emotional moment, and praised the Maharaja for his persistent efforts. He was pleased that many from the hills, including some who had earlier been reluctant to come to Imphal for the festival, had attended this year.The guest house, he said, was not just infrastructure but a symbol of brotherhood between hills and valley. He noted that the Maharaja of Manipur once stayed in the hills for over 100 days a year.The Maharaja said hill visitors had earlier stayed in hotels, and this year the hill chiefs would gather at the new guest house.
