‘No peace without dialogue’ : Manipur CM Khemchand Singh calls for community talks
Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday, August 22, said restoring peace in the state must come before development and called for dialogue between communities to bridge divisions that have deepened over the past few years.
Speaking at the inauguration of a parking facility in Imphal on August 22, Singh said lasting peace could not be achieved without communication among different communities.
"There can be no peace without dialogue among the communities," he said.
The chief minister also linked peace directly with the state's development, saying progress would remain difficult unless normalcy was restored.
Later on August 22, at Khuman Lampak Stadium, Singh honoured Manipur's sportspersons who participated in and won medals at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and other medallists and participants were felicitated for their performances.
The government also handed over appointment letters to gold medallists from the 36th and 37th National Games.
Under the state government's reward scheme, gold medallists received Rs 20 lakh each, while silver medallists were given Rs 15 lakh and bronze medallists Rs 10 lakh, along with certificates. Those who participated in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games received Rs 4 lakh each.
Singh said the achievements of Manipur's athletes had helped present a different image of the state at a time when much of the attention over the past three years had centred on its law and order situation.
The chief minister also announced a new recruitment policy for successful sportspersons.
He said the policy, approved at a recent Cabinet meeting, would provide government job opportunities to athletes based strictly on merit and through a transparent process.
Earlier, government appointments under the policy were largely limited to gold medallists. Singh said the new system would also consider athletes who win silver and bronze medals.
(With inputs from PTI)
