Manipur CM Khemchand Singh Backs NRC Implementation, Hails Artistes for Raising Issue

IMPHAL-   Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has backed the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, while also appreciating artistes for raising the issue with the government.

HINDI TUTION

The Chief Minister made the remarks during a meeting with several renowned artistes of Manipur at his official residence in Babupara, Imphal, on Wednesday. The meeting was organised with a broader objective of using different forms of art to promote peace, harmony and reconciliation among the state’s communities.

Khemchand Singh said the government supports the implementation of the NRC in Manipur and specifically appreciated the artistes for bringing the issue before the government.

The NRC issue comes against the backdrop of the continuing social and political tensions in Manipur. During the meeting, however, the Chief Minister placed considerable emphasis on rebuilding relationships among communities and using cultural platforms to promote reconciliation.

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He said the crisis that initially emerged between two communities has now developed into a conflict involving three communities. Against this backdrop, he called upon the Meitei community to act as a “big brother and big sister” and take initiatives aimed at bringing the crisis to an end.

The Chief Minister also recalled an incident from the period of the crisis when he was serving as a Cabinet Minister. He said he had approached Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip to help save the lives of 120 Meitei labourers in Churachandpur district and that the MLA followed the request.

Khemchand Singh cited the incident while arguing that it would be unethical to hold an entire community responsible for the actions of a few individuals.

He stressed that restoring trust and mutual affection among different communities would require efforts to bridge barriers that emerged during the crisis. He also pointed to Jiribam district as an example, saying that normalcy has returned there and communities are living peacefully without mistrust.

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The Chief Minister’s remarks therefore combined two distinct but politically significant messages: support for NRC implementation and an appeal for greater inter-community reconciliation.

Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, who organised the gathering, said the government was ready to support artistes and urged them to work towards strengthening unity among the people of Manipur.

The artistes also proposed using cultural and artistic platforms as instruments for reconciliation. Shougrakpam Hemanta, a Shumang Leela artiste, stressed the need to revive the longstanding relationships among communities and proposed producing a stage play titled “Ei Manipuri Ni” (I am Manipuri).

Prominent actor Gokul Athokpam said artistes were prepared to travel to different areas along National Highway 2 to interact with communities. He requested the government to ensure appropriate security arrangements for such initiatives and suggested subsidised rates for stage plays and musical concerts to support artistes.

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Singer Konthoujam Bobin said artistes should remain united in promoting a sense of oneness and strengthening bonds of love irrespective of community identity.

Tangkhul Naga folk artiste Guru Rewben Mashangva similarly called for recognition of a collective Manipuri identity across communities, saying that such an approach could help advance the vision of oneness.

Actress Chanam Lilabati suggested using social media more effectively to engage younger generations and promote messages of peace and love among communities.

The meeting was attended by Art & Culture Secretary Naorem Praveen Singh, Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Oinam Sunil Singh, and several artistes.

The meeting highlighted the government’s stated support for NRC implementation while simultaneously placing emphasis on cultural initiatives and community engagement as part of efforts to rebuild trust and promote peace in Manipur.