In a significant outreach initiative, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on April 29 held a meeting with leaders of smaller and often underrepresented tribal communities at her office chamber in Kangpokpi district headquarters.

The interaction, held under the theme of inclusive development, was described by participants as an important direct engagement between the government and smaller tribal groups.

During the meeting, tribal leaders raised several long-pending issues, including poor road connectivity, inadequate educational infrastructure and the need for protection and development of community assets.

They also submitted proposals aimed at promoting socio-economic progress in their respective areas.

Officials present said the Deputy Chief Minister heard the concerns of each delegation and assured that their grievances would be taken into consideration.

Addressing the gathering, Nemcha Kipgen reiterated her commitment to inclusive governance and said the purpose of the initiative was to ensure that smaller and marginalised communities are brought into the mainstream of development.

She said no community should remain unheard or excluded, and added that the government is committed to equitable growth for all sections of society.

Participants welcomed the meeting and described it as constructive, saying the interaction helped bridge gaps between governance and grassroots communities.

The outreach comes at a time when there have been increasing calls for broader participation of smaller communities in policymaking and development planning in Manipur.