# Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh Appeals to Artistes to Help Restore Harmony and Rebuild Trust Across Communities

> Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met prominent artistes in Imphal, urging them to use creative mediums to bridge communal divides and promote lasting peace in the conflict-hit state.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Manipur · **Published:** 2026-08-19 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/manipur/manipur-mein-shanti-bahali-ke-liye-aage-aen-kalakar-chief-minister-yumnam-khemchand-singh-ne-diya-bade-bhai-ka-sandesh-18402 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Manipur Conflict, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Imphal Peace Meeting, Meitei Community, Churachandpur, Manipur NRC, Shumang Leela, Guru Rewben Mashangva

Efforts to restore stability and mutual trust in Manipur have taken a creative turn, with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reaching out to the state's artistic community. Speaking at a special gathering organized at his official residence in Babupara, Imphal, the Chief Minister emphasized that creative forms of expression hold immense potential to heal social rifts, mend broken bonds, and foster peaceful coexistence among warring groups.

## Expanding Conflict and the Call for Leadership from the Majority
Reflecting on the ongoing crisis, the Chief Minister noted with concern that what began as a friction between two communities has unfortunately expanded into a complex tri-community conflict. To break the deadlock, he appealed directly to the Meitei community to assume the protective role of a big brother and big sister, taking proactive leadership in initiating dialogue and resolving the underlying grievances.

## Past Rescue Incident Highlights Ethics of Community Relations
Revisiting his previous tenure as a Cabinet minister during the onset of violence, Khemchand shared a pivotal memory involving the rescue of nearly 120 Meitei labourers stranded in Churachandpur district. He recalled contacting Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip for intervention, who promptly ensured their safety and passage. Khemchand pointed to this gesture as proof that holding an entire community accountable for the destructive actions of a few individuals is fundamentally unethical.

## Citing Jiribam as a Model and Supporting the NRC Demand
Underlining the necessity of erasing mental and physical boundaries created by recent events, the Chief Minister highlighted Jiribam district as a successful model where normalcy has returned and diverse groups live together without fear or mistrust. Furthermore, Khemchand backed the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) within Manipur, expressing gratitude to the gathered artistes for raising this critical issue with the administration.

## Grassroots Outreach, Cultural Productions, and Security Demands
Organized by Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, the meeting saw active participation from prominent figures. Theatre veteran Shougrakpam Hemanta suggested reviving traditional community bonds through a dedicated Shumang Leela production titled 'Ei Manipuri Ni' (I am Manipuri). Actor Gokul Athokpam expressed readiness to travel along National Highway 2 to engage directly with local populations, requesting government security cover and subsidized performance rates to facilitate these cultural missions.

## Promoting Shared Identity and Youth Engagement Through Digital Platforms
Tangkhul Naga folk singer Guru Rewben Mashangva stressed that unity becomes achievable once all artistes set aside ethnic divides and embrace their common identity as Manipuris. Musician Konthoujam Bobin echoed calls for solid solidarity among creators, while actress Chanam Lilabati urged the strategic use of social media to steer young people toward peace and reconciliation. The interactive session concluded in the presence of Art and Culture Secretary Naorem Praveen Singh and Media Advisor Oinam Sunil Singh.

## What this means for you
**Across India:** This initiative signals renewed governmental focus on resolving ethnic conflicts through soft diplomacy and social reconciliation in Northeast India.

**In Manipur:** Cultural outreach along major transport corridors can help build daily safety, open transit routes, and ease tensions for residents across ethnic lines.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Where was the artistes' meeting convened by the Manipur Chief Minister held?
The meeting took place at Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh's official residence in Babupara, Imphal.

### 2. What specific request did the Chief Minister make to the Meitei community?
He urged the Meitei community to act as a 'big brother and big sister' to take the lead in resolving the multi-community conflict.

### 3. What Churachandpur incident was highlighted during the discussion?
The Chief Minister recalled how Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip assisted in safeguarding approximately 120 Meitei workers trapped in Churachandpur district during earlier violence.

### 4. Which district was cited as a successful example of restored normalcy?
Jiribam district was highlighted as an example where peace has returned and different communities are living together without mistrust.

### 5. What proposals were put forward by the participating artistes?
Artistes proposed staging a Shumang Leela play titled 'Ei Manipuri Ni', conducting outreach along National Highway 2, and utilizing social media to promote youth reconciliation.

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