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Manipur Youth From 4 Communities Embark on National Integration Tour

Twenty-four young people from Manipur's Meitei, Kuki, Naga, and Meitei Pangal communities have begun an 11-day National Integration Tour. The tour, organized by the Assam Rifles, will take them to four states across India. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh flagged off the initiative, emphasizing forgiveness and a joint move towards peace. The event included symbolic gestures of unity and interaction between the CM and the participating youths.

Key Points: Manipur's National Integration Tour for Youth Across 4 States

  • 24 youths from four Manipur communities
  • 11-day tour to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal
  • Organized by Assam Rifles
  • Aims to foster peace and unity
3 min read

Manipur: 24 people from four communities embark on 11-day National Integration Tour across four states

24 youths from Meitei, Kuki, Naga & Meitei Pangal communities in Manipur begin an 11-day integration tour to four Indian states.

"We should forgive and forget the past and jointly move towards bringing peace and development in the state. - Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh"

Imphal, March 3

In a unique display of ethnic harmony, 24 young people from four different communities of Manipur -- Meitei, Kuki, Naga and Meitei Pangal -- have embarked on an 11-day National Integration Tour that will take them to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal, officials said on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed happiness that the participants are representing an integrated Manipur, as they belong to various communities residing in the state.

The Chief Minister on Tuesday flagged off the National Integration Tour 2025-26 at the Assam Rifles complex in Keithelmanbi.

The tour, organised by the 33 Battalion of the Assam Rifles, will cover Imphal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Mumbai and Kolkata from March 3 to 13.

A total of 24 youths -- six each from the Meitei, Kuki, Naga and Meitei Pangal (Muslim) communities -- are part of the initiative.

CM Khemchand Singh said that during the ethnic conflict in the state, more than 47,000 people belonging to both the Meitei and Kuki communities were relocated to safer zones by the Assam Rifles to ensure their security and well-being.

He commended the prompt and dedicated efforts of the Assam Rifles in carrying out the relocation process during the hostilities.

The Chief Minister further said that despite differences, elders should not jeopardise the future of children.

"We should forgive and forget the past and jointly move towards bringing peace and development in the state," he observed.

As part of the programme, an interactive session was held during which the Chief Minister personally engaged with the participating youths.

While interacting with the Kuki participants, he greeted them in the Kuki dialect, asking, "Bu nanehtaham" (Have you eaten food?). The six Kuki youths responded, "Ka Ne Tai" (We have eaten food).

During the interaction, he encouraged the participants to make the most of the opportunity and gain meaningful experiences during the tour.

He also assured them that the state government would extend unwavering support and assistance.

In a symbolic gesture of unity and inclusiveness, a group comprising one member from each community was formed, and a flag was handed over to them to represent collective harmony and shared identity.

Kits were also distributed to the participants. During the event, officials of the Assam Rifles also introduced the Chief Minister to a group of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets drawn from various communities across the state, highlighting the spirit of unity among the youths.

The programme was attended by former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tarun Vijay, Brigadier Pratyush Kumar and students, among others.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great step by Assam Rifles and the state govt. These young people are the future. They will see how diverse India is - from Kerala to West Bengal. This exposure is crucial. Hope they come back as ambassadors of peace for Manipur.
A
Aman W
While the tour is a positive gesture, we must be careful not to treat it as a substitute for real, on-ground reconciliation. The CM says "forgive and forget," but justice and addressing root causes are equally important. This is a start, but much more is needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Manipur, the beauty of its people and culture is unmatched. It's devastating to see conflict there. Initiatives like this that build bridges between communities are essential. Wishing these 24 youths a safe and enlightening journey.
V
Vikram M
The symbolic flag handover with one member from each community... that image is powerful. This is the real "Unity in Diversity" in action. Hope they share their experiences widely when they return. More power to them!
K
Karthik V
This is a good confidence-building measure. When young people from conflicting communities live, travel, and learn together for 11 days, it breaks down prejudices. The Assam Rifles has done commendable work here. Hope such tours become a regular feature.

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