This CM is different

Free Thinker *

15th Convocation ceremony of Manipur University on March 27, 2026 :: Pix - DIPR Manipur

The new Chief Minister of Manipur has a very different take. I have been observing him closely. He is undoubtedly a no-nonsense politician and he does not believe in the usual route. He wants to go through the untrodden path. He knows where the G-point is (don’t think otherwise, it means the greatest person) Kamdhenu or Surabhi - to be precise - Modi or Shah. He wishes to reach there straight.

If he wants to meet any one of them a proper message hinting the subject matter must be communicated properly. After getting the green signal a visit to Indraprastha( new name of Dili) must be arranged. Ample preparation is required. The reasons should be vividly indicative – it may be ‘Expansion’ or ‘NRC/SIR’ or ‘Census’ or ‘Autonomy’ or ‘Fencing’ or ‘Fund’ or ‘Epstein files’ or anything else. I am simply aiding the aides.

The new Chief does not believe in Chamchagiri ; and at the same time he does not encourage sycophancy. Even his closest staff is well aware of his mannerism. He grumbles but he is harmless. He does not want to hurt anybody though they are not on friendly terms with him. After having 2 cigarettes alone, he will come out with a solution – usually forgive and forget.

Once I enquired – “if you don’t get the appointment with the Prime Minister, what will you do?” His instant reply was – I will wait till he gives me an audience; how long, I retorted. He said, I will stay here till I get the appointment. Perhaps the message was conveyed to the Hon PM, who is again a different person who loves such unorthodox style.

Leaders who have daring attitudes – people love them. Yes of course there will be adversaries. There is always cut-throat competition in politics. In the name of democracy and party functioning, many unusual and unnatural tasks are maneuvered and expedited. How to handle such things positively, politely, promptly and sophisticatedly matters.

He himself sits in a room so quiet and after sometime he will come out with a decision. The Grandmaster has indeed mastered the art of slow and steady winning method - he is not aggressive – he is more defensive but certainly with a purpose.

I really don’t know much about Taekwondo but this much I understand – it is a martial art form which includes attack in defense techniques combining blocking and countering simultaneously to neutralize threats, focusing on quick, direct, and often low strikes. Meaning – if you attack the grandmaster, there will be collateral damages.

Most attractive personality of this man is that he does not forget his friends. The new cronies may not like the old chums coming closer to him. He knows this hard fact too. The new cliques may try to keep his old pals to keep away – by feeling his ears. He is a wise man who can’t be flattered or easily cheated.

Many may not know that he had a dinner meeting with the bureaucrats belonging to Kuki-Zo -Chin people in Delhi. No Meitei or Naga officers were present, even his aides. Something is cooking for the better. Hard liners may not like the party .

But common people love the parleys. His approach is different; he is outspoken and straightforward. He is eager to have a tate-a-tate even with the radicals. In fact he is trying everything to keep Manipur peaceful and united.

What he does is futuristic and good for the entire people of Manipur. Due to deadly ethnic violence many lives have gone and humongous properties lost. What is the solution – dividing this tiny state on ethnic lines – certainly not.

The Central leadership had already rejected all demands for dismembering the State. The new CM had reiterated the same in front of Kuki-Zo-Chin leaders and also he wanted to use the term ‘sensitive area’ instead of ‘buffer zone’.

He does not require any advice or guidance. He only requires the right information and proper inputs – then he himself finds a way out. He reads newspapers and also listens to both local and national news. Latest information, he is getting from his Parivar network too. Social media, he normally avoids – because these are motivated and one-side or promotional.

Rehabilitation of the displaced people in critical areas is also a prerequisite to the next election; resettlement of Kukis in Meitei dominated areas and Meiteis in Kuki dominated areas must be completed within a year.

This must be given top priority with full State and National strength. Disarming or recovering the arms must be done in every nook and corner of the State – it seems arduous in hill areas because of the difficult terrain.

Buying time may also be a political strategy for strengthening the foundation of the new CM; most of the MLAs must be behind him till date – as long as the ministerial berths and Chairmanships remain vacant.

Once the political vacancies are filled he may start having internal adversaries. Shah ji is a seasoned leader, he will guide him accordingly - a green signal may be slightly delayed. Wait with the requisites. Universe is expanding since the big bang (if you believe in Hawking, Penrose etc.,) but Khemchand is not expanding because a big bank is lacking!