Manipur to establish 36-community panel for social cohesion

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said the Manipur government will establish a committee with representation from all 36 communities in the state as part of efforts to strengthen social unity and harmony. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the question of whether such an institutional mechanism existed to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among the state's diverse ethnic groups.

The committee is envisioned as a formal platform to address community concerns, promote inter-community engagement, and develop consensus on matters of state-wide importance. Khemchand indicated that the formation of this body reflects the government's commitment to inclusive governance and acknowledging the plurality of Manipur's social fabric.

The move represents an attempt to address ongoing communal tensions in the state through structured institutional engagement. By providing formal representation to all major communities, the government aims to create channels for dialogue and foster a sense of collective ownership in the state's development agenda.

Details regarding the committee's structure, mandate, and implementation timeline are expected to be finalized in consultation with community leaders and stakeholders across Manipur.