NEW DELHI, Feb 23: Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, seeking enhanced Central support for security, rehabilitation and economic revival in Manipur.
In his meeting with Rajnath Singh, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to consider raising a Territorial Army (TA) battalion for the state to boost local participation in national defence services and strengthen preparedness in the sensitive border region. The Defence Minister assured full assistance from the Ministry in support of the state government’s initiatives.
In a separate meeting, Khemchand called on Sitharaman at her office, marking his first official interaction with her since assuming office on February 4. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen.
During the discussions, Sitharaman assured full support from the Centre to help revive the state’s financial health and economy, including assistance for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The Chief Minister sought enhanced financial assistance to achieve inclusive growth and strengthen infrastructure and social welfare programmes.
Terming both meetings as constructive, Khemchand thanked the Union Ministers for their continued support and reiterated the state government’s commitment to close Centre–state coordination on security, development and fiscal stability.
