New Delhi/Imphal : In a series of high-level meetings in the national capital on Monday, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP National President Nitin Nabin, pressing for enhanced security measures and expedited rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.

The Chief Minister, who took oath earlier this month, sought the Centre’s support for raising a Territorial Army (TA) battalion for Manipur and strengthening ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.

Khemchand first called on Rajnath Singh at his office, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho of the Naga People’s Front (NPF). The meeting marked his first formal interaction with the Defence Minister since assuming office on February 4.

During the discussions, the Chief Minister urged the Union government to consider raising one Territorial Army battalion dedicated to Manipur. The proposal is being viewed as significant against the backdrop of persistent security challenges and the need for locally rooted forces familiar with the terrain and social dynamics of the state.

Sources indicated that the Defence Minister assured the state government of full cooperation from the Ministry of Defence.

In a social media post following the meeting, Khemchand described the interaction as “constructive”, stating that key and vital issues concerning the security scenario in Manipur were discussed. He said the Defence Minister conveyed that ensuring the security and safety of Manipur remains a top priority for the Government of India and assured all possible assistance to foster a peaceful and secure environment.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister met BJP National President Nitin Nabin at the party’s national headquarters. He was joined by both his Deputy Chief Ministers – Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen, the BJP leader from Kangpokpi district who is also the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.

During the meeting, discussions centred on the prevailing law and order situation in the state and measures required to restore lasting peace and public confidence. Party organisational matters and strengthening the BJP’s state unit were also taken up.

In a post on social media, Nabin said they held “constructive deliberations” on the security situation and discussed urgent and coordinated measures to bring back stability. He also emphasised the need to further strengthen the party’s organisational structure in Manipur to effectively serve the aspirations of the people.

Significantly, the BJP chief urged the Chief Minister to expedite efforts for the resettlement and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, assuring full support from the party in facilitating the process.

The issue of IDPs continues to be a critical concern in Manipur, where ethnic violence and unrest over the past months have displaced thousands of families. The state government has been working on relief, rehabilitation, and resettlement measures, but challenges remain in restoring normalcy and rebuilding trust among communities.

The Chief Minister’s outreach to both the Union government and the party leadership signals a coordinated push to secure greater central assistance for rehabilitation efforts, alongside strengthening the security architecture.

Earlier in the day, Khemchand also met BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh as part of his consultations with senior party functionaries.

The series of engagements underscore the new Chief Minister’s proactive approach in engaging both the Centre and the party leadership at a time when Manipur continues to grapple with security concerns and the long-term rehabilitation of displaced families.

With proposals such as the raising of a Territorial Army battalion and renewed emphasis on IDP resettlement, the state government appears keen to combine security reinforcement with humanitarian measures in its roadmap toward restoring peace and stability.