Imphal | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday appealed to people across communities to work together for peace, development and the protection of the state’s territorial integrity.

Addressing a gathering during a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Yatra in Imphal, Khemchand said Manipur’s unity and territorial integrity had historically been protected through the collective efforts of its diverse communities.

“Meiteis should not think only for Meiteis, Nagas should not think only for Nagas, Kukis should not think only for Kukis. We all should think for Manipur,” the Chief Minister said. He also urged the Meitei community to assume the role of a “big brother” and contribute to efforts aimed at keeping the state united.

Khemchand made the remarks while participating in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Yatra organised by the Imphal Central District BJP and hosted by the Singjamei Mandal BJP. Highlighting Manipur’s history of inclusive governance, the Chief Minister recalled that the state was among the first in Southeast Asia to conduct Assembly elections in 1947-48 under its own Constitution.

He also pointed out that Manipur’s first Speaker was a Paite tribal leader from Churachandpur district, citing it as an example of the state’s tradition of inclusive political participation. Referring to his visit to Kangpokpi on Saturday, Khemchand said he received a warm welcome from local residents and did not see any indication that people there intended to launch a blockade of the National Highways.

He also recalled his recent visit to Jiribam, where people from different communities came together on a common platform to promote peace. The Chief Minister alleged that some individuals were attempting to create divisions among communities and undermine efforts to restore normalcy.

Referring to the recent blast at Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district that killed two children, Khemchand said the incident showed that some elements continued to oppose the return of peace to the state.He appealed to people to rise above community identities and work together as Indians towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and a ‘Viksit Manipur’.

BJP Manipur in-charge Ajeet Gopchade said the state was moving towards peace and development under Khemchand’s leadership.He also praised the participation of women in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Yatra, noting that they braved the rain to make the programme a success.

BJP state president A. Sharda Devi said the BJP-led government was making sustained efforts to restore peace in Manipur. She highlighted the Chief Minister’s visits to hill districts as part of efforts to rebuild confidence and facilitate the return of normalcy.

Sharda Devi said the opposition could continue to criticise the government, but maintained that the BJP remained committed to taking Manipur towards peace, development and prosperity.