2. Yumnam Khemchand Singh: Leadership Amidst Manipur\'s Ethnic Crisis

Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur on February 4, 2026, marking the end of a nearly year-long period of President’s Rule. A martial arts expert and two-time MLA from Singjamei, Singh faces the monumental task of restoring peace in a state deeply fractured by the Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict that began in May 2023. • Transition from Central Rule: The swearing-in occurred just days before the scheduled end of President’s Rule (February 13), signifying a shift from direct Union oversight back to a democratically elected executive. • Ethnic Balancing in Governance: In a bid to foster inclusivity, two Deputy Chief Ministers—Smt. Nemcha Kipgen (Kuki-Zo) and Shri Losii Dikho (Naga)—were appointed alongside Singh, reflecting the diverse 36 communities of Manipur. • Political Credentials: Singh previously served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (2017–2022) and held key portfolios in Rural Development and Education, providing him with necessary administrative experience. • Security & Reconciliation Priority: His primary mandate involves the rehabilitation of over 60,000 displaced persons and addressing the \'unmapped\' status of voters in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. • Humanitarian & Legal Resilience: With nearly 260 lives lost since 2023, the new administration must navigate the legal complexities of buffer zones, arms recovery, and the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain pockets. Key Definitions • President’s Rule (Article 356): The suspension of state government and imposition of direct Union government rule when the \'constitutional machinery\' of a state fails. • Suspended Animation: A state where the Legislative Assembly is not dissolved but kept inactive during President\'s Rule, allowing it to be revived once a viable government is formed. • Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A rigorous door-to-door electoral roll verification process used by the ECI to ensure roll purity, often problematic for displaced or institutionalized persons lacking lineage proof.

Constitutional & Legal Provisions • Article 356: Empowers the President to issue a proclamation if satisfied that the state government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution. • Article 164: Provides for the appointment of the Chief Minister by the Governor and other ministers on the advice of the CM. • S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): The landmark Supreme Court judgment that made the proclamation of President\'s Rule subject to judicial review and emphasized that the floor of the Assembly is the only place to test a government\'s majority. • Article 371C: Special provisions for the state of Manipur regarding the administration of Hill Areas through a committee of the Legislative Assembly. Conclusion The appointment of Yumnam Khemchand Singh represents a cautious step toward democratic normalization in Manipur. However, the success of his tenure will be measured not by political stability alone, but by his ability to bridge the profound trust deficit between the hill and valley communities while ensuring that the State fulfills its role as the ultimate guardian of its citizens\' rights. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II (Polity & Governance): Federalism, Article 356, the role of the Governor, and the challenges of governing a multi-ethnic border state. • GS Paper III (Internal Security): Management of ethnic conflicts, the role of CAPFs, and the impact of insurgent groups on state stability. • Current Affairs: The transition from President\'s Rule to an elected government in conflict zones.