Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday held a series of important meetings with senior Union ministers in New Delhi, marking his first official interactions with them after assuming office on February 4.
The chief minister called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at her office in the national capital. He was accompanied by his two deputy chief ministers—Losii Dikho of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Nemcha Kipgen of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Smt. Kipgen, who hails from Kangpokpi district, is the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.
During the meeting, the chief minister urged the Finance Minister to enhance financial assistance to the state to achieve inclusive growth and revive Manipur’s financial health.
Smt. Sitharaman assured full support from the Centre and also promised assistance for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the recent unrest.
Terming the discussion constructive, the chief minister thanked the Finance Minister for her patient hearing and continued commitment towards Manipur’s development.
Meeting with Union Defence Minister
Later, the chief minister met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his office. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.
This was also Shri Khemchand’s first meeting with the Defence Minister after taking oath as chief minister.
During the interaction, Shri Rajnath Singh assured all possible assistance from the Defence Ministry for the state’s initiatives.
The chief minister requested the Defence Minister to consider raising one Territorial Army (TA) battalion for Manipur, highlighting its importance for youth engagement and regional security.
Meeting with Union Home Minister
In the afternoon, the Manipur Chief Minister met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in New Delhi, accompanied by both deputy chief ministers.
The Home Minister discussed steps taken by the newly formed BJP-led coalition government to bridge divides between different communities. Shri Shah appreciated the outreach programmes initiated by the state government aimed at restoring peace and harmony.
Assuring full support from the Centre, the Home Minister stressed the importance of rehabilitation of IDPs and directed the state government to accord it top priority. He also reiterated that the Centre would provide all necessary assistance for the overall development and restoration of normalcy in Manipur.
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh Meets Top Union Ministers in New Delhi, Seeks Support for Peace, Economy and IDP Rehabilitation
