Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on October 30, 2026, that he plans to form an integrity committee with representatives from the state’s 36 communities. He also suggested a bicameral legislature as a possible way to address the lack of representation for smaller communities.
Speaking at the annual Berkap-Reiju Festival at BOAT in Imphal, organized by the Kom Union Manipur (KUM), Singh said the proposed committee had come up during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to Singh, Modi asked whether Manipur had an integrity committee comprising members from each community. Singh said he told the Prime Minister that he was planning to form one.
The chief minister said some communities had populations so small that they had not had an opportunity to elect an MLA from their own community to the state assembly. Referring to states with two legislative Houses, he said Manipur could adopt such a model, but resource mobilization would be needed.
Singh said he would invite Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba for discussions on helping smaller communities participate in development activities by including one member from each in the proposed committee.
Recounting his meeting with Modi, Singh said he had told the Prime Minister that Manipur’s 36 communities had lived together in harmony since the rule of its kings. He also said he had expressed concern that all development activities in the state had stopped because of the crisis.
Singh urged people to safeguard Manipur and the legacy of their forefathers, and to work together for peace and harmony. He said the state’s communities had defended Manipur against the British during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and against the Burmese during the Seven Years Devastation.
Highlighting the state’s sporting talent, Singh cited Olympian MC Mary Kom as an example of the achievements of the small Kom community. He said Manipur had abundant human resources despite its small population.
He also cited Singapore as an example of coexistence. Singh said its communities had turned to dialogue after fighting in 1964 and decided to live together in harmony. He attributed the country’s development to perseverance, peace, coexistence and unity, and said it had the highest per capita income in Southeast Asia.
The chief minister announced that Rs 5 lakh would be given to the festival’s organizing committee.
The Berkap-Reiju Festival celebrates the Kom community’s cultural heritage, identity, traditional values and unity. Those attending included MLAs Th. Arunkumar Singh and Th. Shanti Singh, KUM president Serto Ahao Kom, civil society representatives, village chiefs, student leaders and artistes.