Yumnam Khemchand Singh Sworn In as Manipur Chief Minister as President’s Rule Ends

Yumnam Khemchand Singh Sworn In as Manipur Chief Minister as President’s Rule Ends

Yumnam Khemchand Singh took oath as the new Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday evening, marking the return of an elected government in the state after nearly a year under President’s Rule. Alongside him, Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, while Govindas Konthoujam assumed charge as Home Minister.

President’s Rule was revoked earlier in the day, clearing the way for the new dispensation. The central rule had been imposed in February 2025 after then Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid mounting criticism over the handling of ethnic violence. During this period, the Manipur Assembly remained under suspended animation—neither dissolved nor functional.

Speaking to NDTV after the ceremony, Singh said the responsibility entrusted to him was significant. “The BJP national leadership has given me a huge responsibility to bring development in Manipur. We have and will accommodate the aspirations of all communities,” he said.

The composition of the new leadership reflects Manipur’s complex social fabric. Singh belongs to the Meitei community, which is dominant in the valley regions. His deputies represent the hill communities—Nemcha Kipgen from the Kuki tribe and Losii Dikho from the Naga tribe. Kipgen took oath remotely from Manipur Bhavan in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the new government, describing the moment as crucial for the state. In a post on X, he extended his wishes to Singh, Kipgen, Dikho, and ministers Govindas Konthoujam and Khuraijam Loken Singh, expressing confidence that the team would work towards development and prosperity for the people of Manipur.

Party sources describe the 61-year-old Singh as a non-polarising figure, broadly acceptable across internal factions during a sensitive political transition. Though relatively untested in mass politics, he is seen as a steady administrator capable of restoring organisational discipline and calm leadership at a time of uncertainty.

Despite the change in government, the situation on the ground remains fragile. Nearly three years after violence erupted between the Meitei community and Kuki tribes, Manipur continues to witness an uneasy peace. The conflict has displaced thousands, many of whom are still living in relief camps.

Sections of the Kuki community have been demanding a separate administrative arrangement, with talks involving multiple insurgent groups operating under suspension of operations agreements. In recent weeks, as discussions on government formation gathered pace, several Kuki civil society organisations publicly stated they would not associate themselves with the new government. They also distanced themselves from Kuki MLAs who were expected to join the administration.

Kuki leader Paolienlal Haokip, a vocal critic of the former chief minister, reiterated this stance a day before the government was formed. In a post on X, he said representatives of the Kuki-Zo people could not participate in the political process “without justice for the ethnic cleansing of our people” and without a written commitment to a political settlement.

On the other side, Meitei civil society groups have argued that displaced families should be allowed to return home safely while political dialogue continues. Kuki leaders, however, insist that a clear political solution—specifically a separate administrative arrangement—must come first, even before discussions on rehabilitation.

Meitei leaders have countered this demand, accusing Kuki groups of pushing for an ethnically exclusive homeland. They maintain that no part of Manipur is exclusively tied to one community and that humanitarian concerns, including the return of displaced persons, cannot be held hostage to political negotiations.

As Yumnam Khemchand Singh begins his tenure, his government faces the difficult task of restoring trust, ensuring security, and navigating deeply entrenched divisions in a state still searching for lasting peace.