Manipur peace efforts gained fresh urgency on Friday as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for sustained action against elements he said were working against peace in the state. He also stressed the need for collective efforts to rebuild trust between communities.
Khemchand was speaking at a guest lecture on “Manipur Situation: Prevailing Trust Deficit and the Path Towards Trust Building” in Imphal. The programme was organised by the Assam Rifles at the Manipur State Film Development Society auditorium in the Palace Compound.
Manipur peace efforts face trust deficit
The chief minister said rebuilding trust would require more than discussions or official statements. Instead, he called for continued dialogue, interaction and mutual understanding among communities, civil society organisations, political leaders and other stakeholders.
Khemchand recalled that he had travelled frequently to Manipur’s hill areas before the violence that began on May 3, 2023. He said he had witnessed an atmosphere of peace, harmony and cooperation among different communities during those visits.
However, the conflict changed relations across the state and created a deep trust deficit. Therefore, he argued that restoring confidence between communities must remain central to the peace process.
CM calls for action against those opposing peace
Khemchand has repeatedly warned against people or groups he believes are attempting to disrupt peace. At a Tiranga Rally in Imphal on August 9, he said certain elements were creating mistrust and divisions among communities.
He urged people to stand against those trying to disturb peace and said such elements should face action. The remarks came as his government continued to stress reconciliation, normalcy and cooperation between communities.
The chief minister has also linked peace directly with development. On Independence Day, he said peace and normalcy were essential for Manipur’s economic and social progress. He stressed that development could move forward only when stability returns.
Manipur peace efforts include surrender of cadres
The state government has also highlighted the surrender of armed cadres as part of its efforts to restore normalcy. On August 18, 46 cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-Taibanganba group surrendered before Khemchand at a Home Department programme in Imphal.
The cadres included four women and handed over firearms, ammunition and explosives. Khemchand welcomed their return to the mainstream and urged other armed groups to choose the path of peace.
He has maintained that weapons cannot provide a lasting solution to the state’s crisis. The government has also said it will extend support to those who surrender and seek rehabilitation.
Action against illegal weapons
Alongside calls for dialogue, the government has taken a stronger position on illegal arms. On August 12, Khemchand gave people holding looted or unauthorised weapons 15 days to surrender them.
He warned that those continuing to possess illegal weapons after the deadline would face action under relevant laws. The move formed part of broader efforts to improve security and restore normalcy in the violence-hit state.
Communities urged to rebuild trust
Khemchand has also appealed for greater responsibility from Manipur’s communities. Earlier this month, he urged the Meitei community to play the role of a “big brother” by embracing other communities and supporting unity.
He said Manipur could not progress if Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis worked only within their own communities. Instead, he called for collective action and cooperation.
Meanwhile, recent government messaging has increasingly focused on dialogue, mutual trust and peaceful coexistence. These efforts come against the backdrop of continuing tensions and violence in parts of the state.
Peace remains central to Manipur’s recovery
The latest appeal shows that Manipur peace efforts are being framed around both security and reconciliation. While the government has called for action against those responsible for unlawful activities, it has also emphasised dialogue and community engagement.
Khemchand’s latest remarks underline the challenge ahead. Restoring normalcy will require security measures, but lasting peace will also depend on rebuilding trust among communities. As a result, sustained engagement among political leaders, civil society and local communities is likely to remain important to Manipur’s recovery.
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