Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Calls for Mutual Trust, Justice and Dignity on Independence Day
Imphal, August 15: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for peace, mutual trust, justice and dignity among all communities as the state celebrated the 80th Independence Dayon Saturday.
The state-level Independence Day ceremony was held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, where the Chief Minister hoisted the national flag and inspected the Guard of Honour.
He later took the salute at a ceremonial march-past involving 23 contingents representing the armed forces, police, civil departments, youth and educational institutions.
CM Appeals for Peace and Mutual Trust
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand condemned the incident reported in Kangpokpi district on Friday and appealed to people from all sections of society to work towards rebuilding mutual trust and peaceful coexistence.
He stressed that lasting peace is essential for development and said stability in Manipur must be built on mutual trust, justice, dignity and the participation of all communities.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the support extended by the Central Government towards efforts to restore peace in Manipur.
He urged citizens to collectively contribute to peace, development and the strengthening of the state.
23 Contingents Take Part in March-Past
The ceremonial parade was commanded by Haobam Sanghamita, MPS, Commanding Officer of the 19th Indian Reserve Battalion.
The participating contingents included units of the 2 J&K Light Infantry Sherwani Battalion, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, IRB, Nagaland Armed Police, civil police, jail, forest, traffic, Home Guards, VDF, Fire Service and Excise Department.
NCC cadets and students from institutions including Sainik School, T.G. Higher Secondary School and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya also participated.
Combined bands from several security and police formations accompanied the march-past.
Focus on Development and Viksit Bharat
Reflecting on India’s journey since Independence, the Chief Minister remembered the sacrifices of freedom fighters and ancestors who contributed to the country’s independence.
He highlighted India’s progress in infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation and inclusive development, citing initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India.
According to the Chief Minister, these initiatives are helping create employment opportunities, strengthen domestic manufacturing and expand access to public services and digital payments.
He also spoke about the vision of Viksit Bharat, with the goal of transforming India into a developed, self-reliant and globally competitive nation by 2047.
Infrastructure and Healthcare Development in Manipur
The Chief Minister highlighted infrastructure projects being undertaken across both rural and urban areas of Manipur.
He said healthcare services were being expanded in remote hill areas through initiatives including Mobile Medical Units, PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
He also highlighted Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, aimed at strengthening rural drinking-water supply.
Employment Guarantee Increased to 125 Days
On rural employment, Singh highlighted the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen).
He said the guaranteed employment period has increased from 100 to 125 days, while wages have risen from Rs 263 to Rs 300.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, which aims to promote formal employment opportunities.
Support for Agriculture and Organic Farming
In the agriculture sector, the Chief Minister said a bio-reactor unit for biofertiliser production had been established at CSIR-NEIST.
The initiative is intended to support organic farming and improve soil fertility.
The government is also looking to strengthen agricultural practices and rural livelihoods through technology and sustainable farming initiatives.
Rs 91 Crore Welfare Assistance to 2.4 Lakh Beneficiaries
Highlighting social welfare measures, Singh said approximately 2.4 lakh beneficiaries had received around Rs 91 crore through 17 social welfare schemes.
He also said 35 internally displaced persons suffering from chronic illnesses had recently received financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each.
An Integrated Monthly Pension Processing Scheme has also been launched to facilitate timely and transparent delivery of social security benefits.
Strengthening Police and Emergency Response
On law and order, the Chief Minister said 477 new vehicles had been provided to the Manipur Police.
He also announced the launch of the ERSS-112 emergency response system, aimed at improving access to emergency services.
A Manipur Police Museum has also been established to preserve the history and legacy of the police force.
An exclusive Special NIA Court has been established in Thoubal district, while the Nodera Emergency Response Application has been launched in Noney to facilitate emergency reporting.
Education and Environmental Initiatives
The government has also undertaken initiatives in the education sector, including the establishment of a District Institute of Education and Training building at Salam and a school library at Heirangoithong High School.
Under the 77th Van Mahotsav, the state planted 15 lakh tree saplings across Manipur.
The Chief Minister also highlighted campaigns aimed at preventing drug abuse among young people, including the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan and the 10-Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign.
People-Centric Governance
Singh highlighted initiatives such as Jan-Bhagidari—Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle and Jan Kalyan Shivir, which aim to bring government services closer to citizens.
He also mentioned Yashoda AI, a national artificial intelligence literacy and digital safety campaign intended to promote digital awareness among women through the National Commission for Women.
Manipur Athletes Congratulated
The Chief Minister congratulated Manipuri sportspersons who won medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and appreciated the successful organisation of the Durand Cup.
He also congratulated Manipuri athlete Ariha Pangambam for winning India’s first gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Mongolia.
Personnel Honoured for Distinguished Service
The Independence Day ceremony also featured the recognition of police and government personnel for their service.
Five Special Commando personnel received the Medal of Gallantry (GM), Republic Day 2026:
- Langoljam Lenin Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector
- Sidrath Thokchom, Assistant Sub-Inspector
- Thounaojam Nichal Singh, Havildar
- Kumar Premananda Singh, Rifleman
- Ngasepam Vim Singh, Constable
Khuraijam Shashikanta Singh, MPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID (SB), received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), Republic Day 2026.
Seven personnel were also recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), Republic Day 2025.
Special Recognition for Government Officials
The Chief Minister’s Special Citation for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and Rs 1 lakh cash award, was presented to A. Subhash Singh, IAS, Special Secretary (Home).
The recognition was linked to his role in coordinating IDP rehabilitation, Aadhaar reverification, mandatory biometric verification of children and border-fencing works.
The Chief Minister’s Special Reward for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and Rs 1 lakh cash reward each, was awarded to Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, MCS, and R.K. Manbindu, IPS, for their roles in negotiating, coordinating and implementing the UNLF Peace Agreement.
Police Awards for Community Service and Anti-Drug Campaign
The Chief Minister’s Police Trophy for Community Service was awarded to Subedar Thongbam Dalendra Khuman, Subedar Soraisham Jeevan Singh, Jemadar Oinam Shashikumar Singh, Subedar K. Dineshwar Sharma, Jemadar Ksh. Rajen Singh and Inspector Okram Jotin Singh.
The Police Trophy for Anti-Drug Campaign went to G. Ginkhamlal, Subedar; T. Mangkhuam Lian Paite, Havildar; and David Naulak, Constable, all from the 1st IRB.
Jiribam Tops Solid Waste Management Ranking
In solid waste management, Jiribam Municipal Council secured the first position among Manipur’s 27 urban local bodies.
Mayang Imphal Municipal Council finished second, while Bishnupur Municipal Council secured third place.
CM’s Independence Day Message
The Chief Minister’s Independence Day address combined a call for peace with an overview of the government’s development, welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, employment and security initiatives.
At a time when Manipur continues to deal with the consequences of prolonged conflict and social divisions, his appeal for mutual trust, justice, dignity and inclusive participation was a central message of the state-level Independence Day celebration.
Singh urged people to work collectively towards rebuilding peace and ensuring that development reaches every section of society.
Disclaimer: Figures, programme details, awards and government initiatives mentioned in this report are based on the information provided regarding the Chief Minister’s Independence Day address and the state-level ceremony on August 15, 2026.
