Imphal : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday, with discussions centring on peace-building measures, rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the impending expansion of the state Cabinet.

The meeting, held at Shah’s residence in the national capital, marked the first formal interaction between the two leaders since Khemchand assumed office as Chief Minister on February 4, 2026.

Khemchand was accompanied by his two Deputy Chief Ministers – Losii Dikho of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Nemcha Kipgen of the BJP. Kipgen, who represents Kangpokpi district, is the first woman to hold the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Manipur.

In a post on X following the meeting, Khemchand described the discussions as “detailed and constructive,” touching upon key issues concerning peace, stability, rehabilitation and development in the state.

He stated that the Union Home Minister assured full support from the Centre for the early resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs displaced during the ethnic unrest that has gripped Manipur over the past months.

“Had the privilege to call on Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji today in New Delhi, accompanied by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers Smt. @KipgenNemcha and Shri L. Dikho. We had a detailed and constructive discussion on key issues concerning Manipur, including measures for peace, stability, rehabilitation, and progress,” the Chief Minister wrote.

He further conveyed gratitude on behalf of the people of Manipur for what he termed the Centre’s “continued support, guidance, and commitment” towards the welfare of the state.

Sources indicated that Shah also sought an update on the steps taken by the newly formed BJP-led coalition government to bridge divides between communities and restore public confidence.

Since taking charge earlier this month, the Khemchand government has initiated outreach efforts aimed at fostering dialogue and promoting reconciliation across ethnic lines. Officials said the Centre is closely monitoring the state’s peace-building initiatives and has expressed satisfaction with the direction of the new administration.

Apart from the security and rehabilitation agenda, the issue of Cabinet expansion featured prominently in the meeting.

According to sources close to the Chief Minister, the Union Home Minister has given his approval for expanding the Council of Ministers. The exercise is likely to take place within the next two to three days after Khemchand returns to Imphal.

The Chief Minister is expected back in the state capital within two days.

Khemchand was sworn in on February 4 along with two Deputy Chief Ministers and two Cabinet Ministers. Under constitutional provisions, Manipur, which has a 60-member Legislative Assembly, can have a Council of Ministers comprising up to 12 members, including the Chief Minister.

At present, seven ministerial positions remain vacant. Additionally, portfolios have not yet been allocated to those who took oath more than two weeks ago, adding urgency to the Cabinet expansion exercise.

Political observers say the allocation of portfolios and induction of additional ministers will be crucial in balancing regional and community representation within the coalition government, particularly at a time when restoring stability remains the administration’s top priority.

The meeting is being viewed as a significant step in strengthening coordination between the Centre and the new state leadership. With Manipur continuing to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged unrest, both governments appear keen to project a unified approach to rehabilitation, governance and long-term reconciliation.

While no formal statement was issued by the Union Home Ministry after the meeting, the signals emerging from the Chief Minister’s camp suggest that New Delhi is prepared to extend logistical, financial and administrative support to ensure that the resettlement of displaced families and restoration of normalcy proceed without delay.

The coming days are expected to witness key political developments in Imphal, as the Cabinet expansion takes shape and the new government seeks to consolidate its administrative framework amid ongoing peace efforts.