Bicameral legislature studied to give representation to smaller communities
Integrity Panel of 36 communities mooted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today called upon the people to safeguard Manipur and preserve the legacy left behind by "our forefathers" .

The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the annual Berkap-Reiju Festival, 2026, organised by the Kom Union Manipur (KUM) at BOAT, Imphal in two sessions.

The Berkap-Reiju Festival is a significant traditional and cultural festival of the Kom tribe in Manipur.

It celebrates the rich cultural heritage, distinct identity, traditional values and unity of the Kom community.

Bicameral legislature studied to give representation to smaller communities

Addressing the second session, Khemchand stated that members of the 36 different communities of Mani- pur had bravely fought against the British during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and the Burmese during the Seven Years' Devastation to save Manipur.

He urged everyone to work together with a collective spirit to ensure peace and harmony in the State.

Speaking about his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that he had informed the Prime Minister that Manipur is inhabited by 36 different communities which have been living together in harmony since the time when the State was ruled by kings.

He said that the Prime Minister had asked him whether there was an integrity committee comprising members from each community.

In response, he informed the Prime Minister that he was planning to form such a committee.

While Manipur is home to many different communities, some smaller communities have not even had the opportunity to elect an MLA from their own community to represent them in the State Assembly, the Chief Minister said .

Referring to other States in the country, Khemchand Singh said that some States have bicameral legislatures comprising two Houses, namely the Upper House and the Lower House.

He added that such a model could also be adopted in Manipur, for which resource mobilisation would be necessary.

The Chief Minister further said that he would invite former Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba for a discussion on ways to help smaller communities participate in development activities by including one member from each community in the proposed committee.

Although Manipur has a small population, it is known as the sports powerhouse of India, he said.

Even a small community like the Kom tribe has produced an Olympian like MC Mary Kom, he said, adding that this reflects the hardworking nature of the people and the abundant human resources of the State.

Drawing a comparison with Singapore, Khemchand Singh said that the small island Nation is home to four major communities and more than 100 smaller communities.

In 1964, these communities fought against each other, leading to a grave situation.

Subsequently, representatives of the communities sat together for dialogue and decided to live together in harmony, he said.

He added that Manipur could learn perseverance, peace, harmony, coexistence and unity from Singapore.

These qualities have helped Singapore emerge as a developed Nation, with the country now having the highest per capita income in the South-East Asian region, he said.

The Chief Minister, also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the organising committee of the festival.

The second session was attended by MLAs Th Arunkumar Singh and Th Shanti Singh, Kom Union Manipur president Serto Ahao Kom, CSO leaders, village chiefs, student leaders and artistes.

Earlier, during the first session, former United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Joychandra Konthoujam proposed the constitution of a State Integrity Council to safeguard the interests of smaller communities in Manipur and protect the territorial integrity of the State.

Speaking as the chief guest for the first session, he said that some smaller communities have no one to raise their grievances and are unable to actively participate in governance.

He reiterated the need to constitute the integrity council, with the Chief Minister as its head, to ensure that the voices of smaller communities are heard.

Such a committee, if formed, would help facilitate peaceful coexistence among the different communities, Joychandra said.

He further said that the Kom community has become increasingly marginalised in the State, while the population of illegal immigrants has increased.

Representatives of different CSOs attended the first session.