Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday addressed the 2026 North-East Seminar on “Resurgent Manipur: Framework for Stability & Sustained Growth”, held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. In his keynote address, the Governor highlighted the state’s resilience, rich cultural legacy, and strategic geographical position, stressing the combined role of the government, security forces, civil society, and community stakeholders in restoring peace and stability.
He underlined the need for reconciliation, social harmony, effective governance, strengthened border management, and coordinated efforts to curb organised crime. The Governor also pointed to Manipur’s strong potential in agriculture, horticulture, handloom, handicrafts, eco-tourism, and sports, noting the global achievements of Manipuri athletes. He called for greater investment in education, skill development, connectivity, and youth empowerment to build a stable and prosperous future.
The seminar included three plenary sessions, beginning with “Manipur at Crossroads”, chaired by Lt Gen CA Krishnan (Retd), who presented an overview of the state’s evolving security environment, governance issues, and regional geopolitical influences. Anthropologist and India Foundation Senior Fellow Rami N. Desai spoke on external factors contributing to internal unrest, highlighting cross-border dynamics, demographic pressures, illegal immigration, and narcotics networks.
Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DG Assam Rifles Vikas Lakhera, IGAR (South) Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, Manipur University Vice-Chancellor N Lokendra Singh, senior Assam Rifles officers, and students were among those who attended the event.
