Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday emphasised that lasting development in the state is possible only through peace, urging mutual trust among communities as authorities continue efforts to restore normalcy after prolonged ethnic violence.
Appeal for harmony and reassurance on security
Hoisting the national flag at the First Manipur Rifles Ground, Singh said India was among the world’s fastest-growing economies and stressed that similar progress in infrastructure and manufacturing in Manipur would require a stable security environment.“The path of development for Manipur is through peace,”
Singh told the Independence Day gathering that the Central government had taken a number of measures to improve law and order and that talks were being held with representatives of various communities. He acknowledged that incidents of violence persisted and were creating apprehension about the restoration of peace.
Recent violence and a fresh attack
The chief minister condemned an attack that left two people dead and two others injured after suspected militants opened fire at Langka Naga village in Kangpokpi district on Friday, and said the government would ensure those responsible were apprehended.
Singh underlined his administration’s priorities, listing actions intended to secure a better future for young people, empower women, support farmers and entrepreneurs, and preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
Background: conflict, displacement and administration
Manipur has witnessed sustained ethnic clashes since May 2023 between valley-based Meiteis and the Kuki community in hill districts. According to official tallies cited at the time, at least 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since the unrest began.
Following continued violence and the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the state was placed under President’s Rule on 13 February 2025. President’s Rule was lifted on 4 February 2026, after which Y Khemchand Singh assumed office as chief minister.
| Event | Date / Figure |
|---|---|
| Onset of major ethnic clashes | May 2023 |
| Reported fatalities since May 2023 | 260 (at least) |
| State placed under President’s Rule | 13 February 2025 |
| President’s Rule lifted | 4 February 2026 |
| Recent fatal attack (Langka Naga village) | Two killed, two injured (reported Friday) |
What the chief minister said about development and social goals
Singh linked economic and social initiatives directly to security, saying programmes for youth, women, farmers and entrepreneurs would be ineffective unless communities regained confidence in safety and governance. He also spoke about preserving Manipur’s cultural heritage as a state priority.
He reiterated that discussions involving community representatives were underway, and said that measures taken by the Centre were aimed at stabilising the law-and-order situation. The chief minister did not provide a detailed timeline for the talks.
Context and practical impact
Analysts and community leaders have repeatedly said that confidence-building and accountability will be essential for return and rehabilitation of displaced persons, for resumption of normal economic activity and for attracting investment into infrastructure and manufacturing projects.
- Security: Continued incidents such as the Kangpokpi attack underscore the fragility of the peace process.
- Governance: Administrative changes since February 2025 remain a key backdrop to current policy and policing strategies.
- Rehabilitation: Thousands displaced since 2023 will require sustained relief, reconstruction and trust-building measures.
Singh’s remarks on Independence Day reiterated the government’s stated approach: combine security operations with dialogue and development to build durable peace. He also pledged that those responsible for the recent attack would be brought to justice, without offering further operational details.
As state and Central agencies continue security and outreach work, officials face the immediate tasks of ensuring protection for vulnerable communities, restoring disrupted services and supporting the return of displaced families — steps observers say are necessary before broader development initiatives can take hold.
