Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh declared the BJP the sole party fighting to restore peace and free movement across the state. He spoke to party workers on September 14. The violence, which ignited on May 3, 2023, has crippled the party’s public image. It is a long, bloody conflict.
Khemchand acknowledged the mounting public frustration. He defended his government's track record during an address in which he stated, "While we did not create this crisis, it is natural for the people to blame us for it." He insisted the administration remains committed to protecting all 36 communities residing in Manipur.
The Chief Minister pointed to past successes to frame the party's agenda. He cited the implementation of the Inner Line Permit, an effort to shield indigenous populations, as proof of their dedication. Regarding the National Register of Citizens, he reminded supporters that the party manifesto demands it. The state Assembly, led by former CM N Biren Singh, passed a resolution for the NRC back in August 2022.
Khemchand pushed party members to step up their local outreach. He wants workers to educate young people on the government’s active initiatives. The current unrest has buried their previous work, he claimed. The party now faces the hard task of rebuilding its reputation through reconciliation and dialogue.
Updated at 14th September 2026 at 10:00pm
Khemchand addressed party faithful at the BJP state office in Imphal, drawing a sharp line between his party and political rivals. He claimed that while other groups merely criticize the current state of affairs, the BJP remains the only party actively driving reconciliation efforts. The Chief Minister also issued a direct order to his ranks to ramp up electoral mobilization, tasking workers with securing more seats and fatter victory margins in the coming polls.
The Chief Minister specifically attributed the implementation of the Inner Line Permit to the BJP-led government at the Centre. He characterized the crisis as most unfortunate, repeatedly emphasizing that the party is focused on navigating the fallout through direct dialogue.
Updated at 15th September 2026 at 1:49pm
Khemchand and Rajya Sabha MP Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi recently confirmed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah agreed to review the demand to make 1951 the base year for the NRC. Sharda, who leads the state BJP, pushed for the registration process to finish before the Census to ensure demographic data remains accurate. She also noted that the Central government deferred the Census in Manipur to prioritize these records.
Following his talk with party workers, the Chief Minister hosted an all-party meeting at his secretariat on September 15. The session brought together BJP and Congress leaders along with civil society groups to discuss updating the NRC. Khemchand described the meeting as a positive step toward securing the state and protecting indigenous identity.
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