States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 11:00PM


Festival of unity celebrated in Manipur; Panel of all 36 communities to be formed

N Satyajeet
Imphal, Oct 24 (UNI) Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today said the Government would take up an initiative for the formation of a committee representing all 36 communities of Manipur, following a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether such a committee existed to bring all communities together.

The Chief Minister said that he will consult with Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all the MLAs regarding the committee and urged the public to help in 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, he added.

The Chief Minister stated this while addressing the felicitation ceremony of Hill Chiefs of different Tribes of Manipur, hosted at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, following the inauguration of the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House earlier today at Palace Compound, Imphal as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026.

Emphasising the importance of unity and collective responsibility, the Chief Minister said that Manipur had been defended and safeguarded through the contributions and sacrifices of all its communities throughout history.
Recalling significant historical events, including the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years’ Devastation, he highlighted how the people of Manipur had stood up to challenges in protecting their land, identity and heritage.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that Mera Hou Chongba 2026 would usher in peace and prosperity in Manipur and further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, unity and togetherness among its people.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House at Palace Compound, Imphal, marking a significant step towards strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and understanding between the hill and valley communities of Manipur.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister described the completion of the guest house, coinciding with the observance of Mera Hou Chongba, as an emotional and meaningful moment.
He lauded Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba for his initiative and persistent efforts in pursuing the construction of the facility with the Government, stating that his commitment and continued efforts had helped bring the project to completion.

The Chief Minister expressed happiness that many people from the hill areas, including those who had previously been reluctant to come to Imphal for Mera Hou Chongba, had come to participate in the festival this year.
He said the guest house was not merely an infrastructure facility but also a symbol of the loving brotherhood between the hills and the valley. He added that it would provide a welcoming place for people from the hill areas whenever they visit Imphal, further encouraging interaction and strengthening relationships among communities.

Recalling Manipur’s history, the Chief Minister noted that the Maharaja of Manipur had, in the past, travelled to and stayed in the hill areas for over 100 days in a year.
He reiterated that all 36 communities had contributed to protecting and preserving Manipur, underscoring the need to carry forward this legacy of shared responsibility through mutual trust, peace and understanding.

Speaking on the occasion, Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba stated that in previous years, people coming from the hill areas to participate in Mera Hou Chongba had to stay in hotels.
He said that this year, the hill chiefs would gather at the newly established Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House to celebrate the festival. The Maharaja further stated that the Government’s efforts in establishing the guest house would be remembered by the people of Manipur.

Mera Hou Chongba is a traditional festival that celebrates unity, brotherhood, peace and harmony among the people of Manipur.
Rooted in the State’s rich cultural heritage, the festival promotes mutual respect, solidarity and peaceful coexistence among different communities while strengthening the bonds of understanding and togetherness between the hills and the valley.

The newly inaugurated guest house is expected to serve as a welcoming space for people from the hill areas visiting Imphal and stand as a lasting symbol of unity and togetherness.
Its establishment also reflects the importance of providing facilities that encourage participation in shared cultural occasions and create opportunities for greater interaction among communities.

The Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House has been constructed at a sanctioned cost of approximately ₹7.1238 crore under the North Eastern Council (NEC) scheme, with funding support from the NEC under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
The Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, is the implementing agency, while the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd., Imphal, executed the construction work.

UNI NS RN
Tags: #Festival of unity celebrated in Manipur; Panel of all 36 communities to be formed
More News

Sexual harassment of two minors in Bengal, old man booked

25 Oct 2026 | 12:18 AM

Burdwan, Oct 24 (UNI) A 64-year-old man was arrested for alleged sexual harassment of two minor girls in West Bengal's East Burdwan district on Saturday, police said.

see more..

Brewing system in Bay of Bengal to make landfall between Bapatla & Visakhapatnam at a speed of 140kmph

25 Oct 2026 | 12:16 AM

Kolkata, Oct 24 (UNI) The brewing system in the Bay of Bengal is tipped to hit land at a maximum speed of 140 kmph as a severe cyclone in the morning hours of October 28, the weather office said here on Saturday. .

see more..

Gov Bhalla calls for patient-centred outcomes as SELSICON 2026 and ASIMANICON open in Imphal

24 Oct 2026 | 11:08 PM

Imphal, Oct 24 (UNI) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today graced the inaugural ceremony of the 19th National Conference of the Society of Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of India (SELSICON 2026) and the 29th Annual Conference of the Association of Surgeons of India, Manipur State Chapter (ASIMANICON 2026), at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.

see more..

Festival of unity celebrated in Manipur; Panel of all 36 communities to be formed

24 Oct 2026 | 11:00 PM

N Satyajeet
Imphal, Oct 24 (UNI) Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today said the Government would take up an initiative for the formation of a committee representing all 36 communities of Manipur, following a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether such a committee existed to bring all communities together.

see more..

Assam Rifles chief briefs Home Minister Amit Shah on Northeast security and border fencing progress

24 Oct 2026 | 10:41 PM

Shillong, Oct 24 (UNI) Director General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera briefed union Home Minister Amit Shah on the prevailing security situation in the North East.

see more..