Manipur CM urges students to shun agitation, choose dialogue to resolve crises

Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh asked the students and the people at large not to resort to agitation whenever a crisis arises.

Instead, he urged them to pursue dialogue as the preferred means of resolving any differences and addressing issues, stating that peaceful engagement is essential for bringing lasting peace to the State

Singh inaugurated the AI-Enabled Career Intelligence Hub at Tamphasana Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Imphal, an initiative aimed at providing students with technology-driven career guidance, personalised counselling and information on emerging career opportunities.


The Hub, established under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is the first of its kind in the Northeastern region, marking a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the education and career guidance ecosystem of the State.

The Chief Minister appreciated the students of Tamphasana Girls’ Higher Secondary School for not resorting to agitation during the challenging period the State has been going through over the past seven to eight months. He commended their maturity and restraint, stating that students should remain focused on their education and future rather than becoming involved in agitation during times of crisis.

Highlighting the growing importance of AI, the Chief Minister observed that AI has advanced significantly and is increasingly transforming various fields and professions. He expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the AI-Enabled Career Intelligence Hub in Manipur, noting that such an initiative would help students gain better insights into their abilities, explore different career pathways and prepare themselves for future opportunities.

Emphasising the importance of the formative years in shaping one’s future, the Chief Minister stated that student life is one of the most crucial periods for building a career, with Classes XI and XII being particularly significant in determining future academic and professional directions. While acknowledging that everyone may not necessarily achieve everything, they aspire to in life, he stressed that humanity and honesty must remain the two essential qualities guiding every individual. He further observed that these values are equally important in the collective effort to restore peace and harmony in Manipur.

The Chief Minister said that student life is one of the most crucial stages in a person’s life, as it lays the foundation for one’s future career and aspirations. He stressed that academic qualifications alone are not enough to make a person capable, but must be accompanied by honesty, sincerity and hard work.

Recalling an experience from his visit to Singapore in the 90’s, the Chief Minister shared an instance involving a taxi driver who was new to the profession. He said that although the taxi meter showed a fare of 12 dollars, the driver returned 2 dollars and charged only 10 dollars, explaining that he had taken a longer route due to his unfamiliarity with the roads. The Chief Minister said that the driver's honesty in acknowledging his mistake and charging only the appropriate amount left a lasting impression on him.

He observed that although Singapore is geographically smaller than the combined area of five valley districts of Manipur, it has emerged as one of the countries with the highest per capita income in Southeast Asia. He said that the progress of a country is also reflected in the values, integrity and work ethic of its people.

The Chief Minister also shared an experience from his visit to Seoul, where an older woman, despite being a stranger, approached him and offered him food. He said the simple gesture reflected the deep sense of humanity and kindness shown by people towards others, even those they do not know. He emphasised that such acts of compassion demonstrate the importance of humanity in everyday life.

The Chief Minister urged students to imbibe honesty, sincerity, hard work and humanity as guiding principles in their lives. He further advised them not to become complacent after completing their education, but to continue striving towards their aspirations with determination and commitment.