President's Rule Revoked in Manipur, Khemchand Singh to Take Oath as CM Today

President's Rule has been revoked in Manipur nearly a year after it was imposed, paving the way for Yumnam Khemchand Singh to take oath as the new Chief Minister this evening. The BJP-led NDA government will feature Deputy Chief Ministers from the Kuki and Naga communities in a bid to address the state's ethnic divide.

The assembly had remained in suspended animation—inactive but not dissolved—since N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister in February 2025 amid prolonged ethnic violence.

Inclusive Cabinet Structure

Khemchand Singh, a Meitei leader, will head the government with Nemcha Kipgen (Kuki) and Losii Dikho (Naga) as Deputy Chief Ministers. This tri-ethnic leadership structure signals an attempt to bridge the deep divisions that have plagued the state.

Kipgen is expected to take oath from a Manipur government guesthouse in Delhi, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Seven-time Bishnupur MLA Govindas Konthoujam announced he has been given the Home portfolio. "I am committed to serving Manipur with discipline, restraint, and dedication to stability and public order," he stated.

Non-Polarising Choice

Khemchand, 61, is considered a non-polarising figure acceptable across BJP's internal factions. Sources describe him as a steady administrative choice who brings "organisation, discipline, and low-key authority rather than mass rhetoric" during uncertain times.

Ethnic Tensions Persist

Nearly three years after hostilities erupted between the valley-dominant Meitei community and hill-dwelling Kuki tribes, an uneasy peace prevails. A section of Kukis seeks a separate administration, with negotiations involving insurgent groups under suspension of operations agreements.

Some Kuki civil society organisations have distanced themselves from Kuki MLAs joining the government. Leader Paolienlal Haokip posted that without "justice for ethnic cleansing" and a "written commitment for political settlement," Kuki representatives should not participate in government formation.

Meiteis demand displaced persons' return before territorial discussions, while Kukis seek political solutions first—a fundamental impasse the new government must navigate.