Yumnam Khemchand Singh sworn in chief minister of Manipur

Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday, a day after he was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)–led NDA legislature party. Two deputy chief ministers—representing the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities—also took oath, marking a return to an elected government after nearly a year of President’s Rule.

Hours before the swearing-in ceremony, President’s Rule in Manipur, imposed in February last year, was revoked, according to a communiqué issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The oath-taking ceremony, held at Lok Bhavan in Imphal, saw Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA from the Mao assembly constituency, Losi Dikho, sworn in as deputy chief minister. Kuki-Zo BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen from Kangpokpi was administered the oath as deputy chief minister via video conferencing from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Singh said Manipur’s 36 communities had long safeguarded the state and that inclusive participation would pave the way for peace. He emphasized that collective involvement of all communities would strengthen unity and harmony in Manipur.

BJP legislator K Govindas and National People’s Party (NPP) MLA Kh Loken were sworn in as cabinet ministers. The ceremony was attended by opposition MLAs, senior political leaders including former chief ministers N Biren Singh, O Ibobi Singh and R K Radhabinod, along with senior police officers and bureaucrats.

A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that President’s Rule was lifted with immediate effect. “In exercise of the power conferred by clause (2) of Article 356 of the Constitution, I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, hereby revoke the Proclamation issued on February 13, 2025, in relation to the State of Manipur, with effect from February 4, 2026,” the notification stated.

Manipur was placed under President’s Rule following the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. Former chief minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9 last year amid the crisis and the threat of a no-confidence motion, leading to the imposition of central rule four days later.