Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday called for a greater role for art and culture in rebuilding trust and promoting peace among the state’s communities. During a meeting with prominent artistes, the chief minister said creative expression could help bridge divisions created by the prolonged conflict. He also backed the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), an issue that has gained renewed attention amid ongoing demographic concerns.
Art urged to become a bridge for peace
Khemchand’s meeting with artistes focused on the potential of art, culture and creative work to contribute to reconciliation. The chief minister urged artists to take a more active role in rebuilding confidence between communities that have remained divided by violence and mistrust.
The appeal comes as Manipur continues to deal with the effects of the conflict that began in May 2023. Although violence has reduced in several areas, social and political divisions remain significant. Against this backdrop, cultural activities could provide a platform for communities to express their experiences, preserve shared traditions and encourage dialogue.
The Manipur CM said restoring peace would require efforts to overcome the barriers that have emerged between different sections of society. He stressed that people should not allow the actions of a few individuals to become a reason for blaming an entire community.
Manipur CM highlights need to rebuild trust
Khemchand also reflected on the changing nature of the conflict and the challenges involved in bringing communities together. According to reports, he said the crisis had expanded from an initial conflict involving two communities to one affecting three communities.
He recalled his earlier efforts to seek assistance in rescuing around 120 Meitei labourers stranded in Churachandpur. The reference highlighted the difficult circumstances created by the breakdown of trust and movement between communities during the conflict.
At the same time, he pointed to Jiribam as an example of an area where communities have been able to return to normalcy. He said people there were living peacefully without the same level of mistrust, suggesting that similar reconciliation could be possible elsewhere if barriers were gradually removed.
NRC implementation remains a major issue
Alongside his appeal for cultural intervention, the Manipur CM backed the implementation of the National Register of Citizens. The NRC has remained a major political and social issue in the state, particularly among groups concerned about demographic changes and undocumented migration.
The latest position comes amid growing pressure for the NRC to be updated before the population census. On August 18, protests were reported in several valley districts, with demonstrators demanding that the NRC be implemented and updated before census operations. The protests included an agitation outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in Imphal East, where the situation reportedly turned tense.
The state government has also recently held consultations on Manipur’s demographic profile. A two-day seminar organised by the Home Department and the Manipur State Population Commission brought together legal experts, civil society representatives, scholars and community leaders to discuss the census, NRC, citizenship and demographic changes. Khemchand said decisions on sensitive issues would be taken within the constitutional framework and informed by public consultation.
Balancing demographic concerns and reconciliation
The NRC debate is unfolding alongside wider efforts to restore stability in Manipur. Civil society groups have continued to press for action on citizenship and demographic questions, while the government has emphasised constitutional procedures and dialogue.
The Manipur CM has increasingly highlighted reconciliation as part of the broader response to the crisis. His outreach to communities has included visits and meetings aimed at rebuilding confidence, while the government has urged stakeholders to pursue dialogue instead of prolonged agitation.
The challenge is to address concerns about citizenship, migration and representation without further deepening community divisions. Recent developments show that both reconciliation and demographic questions remain central to public debate in the state.
Culture and dialogue could shape peace efforts
The chief minister’s appeal to artistes adds a cultural dimension to Manipur’s peace-building efforts. Art can provide a way to document experiences, preserve cultural identities and create spaces where communities can interact without directly entering contentious political debates.
For a state with a rich tradition of music, dance, theatre, literature and visual arts, greater involvement from cultural figures could complement administrative and political initiatives. However, such efforts are likely to be most effective when combined with sustained dialogue, security measures and credible steps to address the concerns of different communities.
The Manipur CM has therefore placed both cultural engagement and the NRC debate within a broader effort to restore stability. As the state continues to navigate its complex political and social challenges, rebuilding trust will remain essential to achieving lasting peace.
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