Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand meets PM Modi: Emphasis on peace, equitable development and women empowerment

New Delhi. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi on Tuesday. Chief Minister Khemchand led a three-member delegation of the state government. The delegation also included the state’s two deputy chief ministers, Nemcha Kipgen of the BJP and Losi Dikho of the Naga People’s Front (NPF). Nemcha Kipgen is the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, who hails from Kangpokpi district.

This meeting was the first formal meeting of Chief Minister Khemchand Singh with the Prime Minister after assuming charge on February 4. During the meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister about various steps taken by the State Government to establish peace, harmony and social unity in Manipur. Referring to the ongoing challenges in the state, he said that the government is committed to creating equal development and harmonious environment in both the hill and valley areas.

The Chief Minister especially emphasized on women empowerment. He appealed to the Prime Minister that the Central Government should pay special attention to the empowerment, education, health, employment and self-employment of women in both the hill and valley areas of Manipur. He said that bringing women into the mainstream will contribute significantly to social stability and economic progress in the state.

In the meeting, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losi Dikho extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur. He expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s visit will give new impetus to peace and development efforts in the state and further strengthen Centre-State coordination. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the efforts of the Manipur government and said that the Central Government will provide every possible cooperation with the state.

They had in-depth discussions on issues of peace restoration, development projects and women empowerment. This meeting has taken place at a time when incidents of caste tension and violence have been coming to light in Manipur for some time. After the formation of the new government, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh has given top priority to restoration of peace. Efforts have been intensified to bring the state back on track through dialogue between different communities, women empowerment and development schemes.