Imphal | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday called for an inclusive approach to governance, asserting that the state, home to 36 different communities, cannot be governed by prioritising the interests of any one community.

Addressing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, the Chief Minister said community-centric thinking would not help ensure the state’s integrity, peace or economic progress. He stressed that the interests of all communities must be taken into account to achieve lasting peace and development in Manipur.

Emphasising the importance of unity and a collective identity, Khemchand Singh urged people to move beyond narrow community considerations and work towards a common future for the state. The event was organised to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, observed across the country as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day.

Recalling Patel’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle, the Chief Minister referred to his leadership in movements against British rule, including the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. He also highlighted Patel’s role in the integration of princely states after Independence, describing it as a landmark achievement in strengthening India’s unity and territorial integrity.

Khemchand Singh noted that the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was initiated in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reinforce the importance of national unity and integrity. He also referred to the inauguration of the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on October 31, 2018. Standing at 182 metres, the monument is the world’s tallest statue and was built in honour of Patel.

As part of the celebrations, nine contingents participated in a march past commanded by Pramesh Arambam, Commanding Officer of the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion. The programme also featured a choreographic presentation titled Akhoigi Apunba Saktam (Our Collective Identity) by the Government Dance Academy.

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police and senior administrative and police officials attended the programme.