Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that Manipur is inhabited by 36 different communities and emphasised that the State cannot be governed by prioritising the interest of only one community. He appealed to the people to understand that community-centric ideas cannot bring integrity, peaceful atmosphere or economic progress in the State.
The Chief Minister made the above statement while attending the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, 2026, at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal today.
Highlighting the significance of the observation, Khemchand Singh said that the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has been observed across the nation as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day. The day commemorates the unwavering efforts and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards strengthening national unity and building a strong nation. The observance was initiated in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the statesmanship of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who led the country through various movements against British rule, including the Non-violence, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.
Following India’s independence, the princely states across the country were brought together through his efforts, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation, he added.
Recalling another significant tribute to the Iron Man of India, the Chief Minister stated that on October 31, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s tallest statue, the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat, in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
As part of the observance, nine contingents participated in the March Past, which was commanded by Pramesh Arambam, Commanding Officer of the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB). A choreographic presentation titled “Akhoigi Apunba Saktam (Our Collective Identity” by Government Dance Academy was also performed.
The observance was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam; MLAs; Chief Secretary; Security Advisor; DGP; senior administrative officers and high ranking police and civil officials among others.
