IMPHAL: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have assured the Manipur government of all needed help or assistance. Union Finance Sitharaman assured Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand of “all help to revive the financial health and economy of the state”. She also gave assurance that the Centre will provide assistance for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In addition, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured “all assistance from the defence ministry in any endeavour of the state government”.
This was informed by the Manipur chief minister’s office through a statement on Monday evening. It further informed that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand accompanied his Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and met the Union Defence Minister on Monday in Delhi. In the meeting with the Union finance minister, the chief minister was accompanied by both the deputy chief ministers of Manipur – Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho.
Also Read | Manipur Cabinet Expansion Likely Soon; CM Khemchand in Delhi
The Manipur chief minister urged Rajnath Singh to raise one Territorial Army (TA) battalion for Manipur, the statement added.
Khemchand also urged the Union Finance minister to enhance the financial assistance to the state so as to achieve the goal of inclusive growth. Terming the meeting as constructive, the chief minister thanked the Union Finance minister for giving a patient hearing to the state’s problems, it further added.
The chief minister then conveyed his gratitude to Sitharaman for her continued support and commitment towards the progress and prosperity of the state.
It can be noted here that the Manipur Chief Minister had called on Union Home Minister, Amit Shah on Sunday at his residence in New Delhi. All these meetings were the first time Khemchand met the Union ministers after he took over as the Manipur Chief Minister on February 4, 2026.
Also Read | IPFM Alleges Harassment by Security Forces
Khemcand had left Imphal for Delhi on Saturday. It is expected that his ministry expansion will take place soon after he returns to Imphal. On February 4, Khemchand was sworn-in as chief minister along with two deputy chief ministers and two cabinet ministers. Given the 60-member assembly, the full ministry strength should be 12 members including the chief minister. As such, seven ministerial posts are still vacant. Moreover, the portfolios of those ministers sworn-in more than two weeks ago are also still not assigned.