Discussions on Manipur’s future, stability and long-term growth took centre stage at the 2026 North-East Seminar held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal on Monday. The day-long seminar, themed “Resurgent Manipur: Framework for Stability & Sustained Growth,” brought together policymakers, security experts, academics and students to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing the state. Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla presided over the seminar and highlighted the steady progress made by the state despite difficult circumstances in recent years. In his address, the Governor stressed that reconciliation, social harmony and collective responsibility were key to ensuring peace and development in Manipur. He said Manipur’s rich cultural heritage, strategic geographical location and resilient people give the state a strong foundation for growth. According to him, sustained progress will depend on strong governance, improved border management and close coordination between the government, security forces and civil society. He underlined the need to rebuild trust among communities and strengthen social cohesion to move forward.
The Governor also spoke at length about Manipur’s economic potential. He said sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, handloom, handicrafts, eco-tourism and sports offer significant opportunities for livelihood generation and growth. Praising the achievements of Manipuri sportspersons at national and international levels, he said the state has earned global recognition through sports and youth talent. Calling for focused investment, Governor Bhalla emphasised the importance of education, skill development, better connectivity and youth empowerment. He noted that empowering young people with skills and opportunities would play a vital role in shaping Manipur’s future and reducing unrest. The seminar featured three plenary sessions, each focusing on different aspects of Manipur’s present situation and future roadmap. The first session, titled “Manipur at Crossroads,” was chaired by Lt Gen C A Krishnan. The discussion examined security challenges, governance issues and the impact of regional and geopolitical developments on the state.
Anthropologist Rami N. Desai, Senior Fellow at the India Foundation, presented a paper on “External Dynamics as a Catalyst for Internal Turmoil in Manipur.” In her presentation, she spoke about cross-border influences, illegal immigration, narcotics networks and demographic pressures, and how these factors have affected internal stability over time. Senior security officials, including Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Assam Rifles Vikas Lakhera, and Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) Ravroop Singh, shared their views on security management and coordination. They highlighted the need for continued vigilance, cooperation among agencies and community support to maintain peace.Academic voices were also part of the discussion. Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, spoke on the role of educational institutions in promoting dialogue, research and inclusive development. Students and young participants actively engaged with speakers, raising questions about employment, education and peace-building. The interaction reflected a strong interest among the youth in contributing to Manipur’s recovery and growth.
