Manipur Poised for Leadership Under Martial Arts Pioneer Yumnam Khemchand Singh
In a significant political development, Manipur is on the verge of having a taekwondo expert as its new chief minister. BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in the Manipur assembly, setting the stage for his ascension to the top post.
A New Government After Year-Long Political Vacuum
The formation of this new government comes nearly a year after former chief minister N Biren Singh, who was a professional footballer for BSF, resigned from his position. Following his resignation, the state assembly was placed under animated suspension, and President's rule was imposed, creating a prolonged period of political uncertainty in the northeastern state.
Power-Sharing Cabinet to Foster Reconciliation
According to top sources, the incoming administration is expected to feature a carefully balanced cabinet aimed at restoring peace in the strife-torn state. Kuki leader and former minister Nemcha Kipgen, who represents the Kangpokpi constituency, is likely to be appointed as deputy chief minister. Meanwhile, Govindas Konthoujam, the MLA from Bishnupur, is set to take on the crucial role of home minister.
This power-sharing arrangement is seen as a strategic move to bridge ethnic divides and promote stability in Manipur, which has been grappling with severe inter-community violence.
Formal Government Formation Expected Shortly
The source further indicated that Khemchand is likely to stake claim to form the government on Wednesday in Imphal, marking the official transition of power. This development follows a meeting of the BJP Manipur Legislature Party at the party headquarters in New Delhi, where his election was confirmed.
Official Confirmation and Unanimous Support
BJP in-charge of Manipur, Sambit Patra, confirmed on social media platform X that the meeting "unanimously elected" Khemchand as the leader of the legislature party "by all the MLAs of BJP Manipur." The gathering was attended by key figures including former CM N Biren Singh, speaker Satyabrata Singh, state president A Sharda Devi, and central observers Tarun Chugh and Patra. All legislators were present except for two who were unwell.
Khemchand's Unique Profile and Reconciliation Efforts
Yumnam Khemchand Singh brings a distinctive background to the chief minister's office. He is the first Indian to be awarded the 5th Dan black belt in traditional South Korean taekwondo, a rank he earned after clearing a promotion test in October 2024. His recognition was formalized at the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation's office in Seoul on December 30, where Vice President Mayong Suk presented the certificate issued by six Grandmasters led by President Jun Lee.
In a Facebook post, Singh expressed gratitude to the federation "for conferring upon me the Certificate of 5th Dan in Traditional Taekwondo—the first of its kind in India."
A practising martial artist since the age of 16, Singh founded the All Assam Taekwondo Association and later served as vice president of the Taekwondo Federation of India. He is credited with introducing taekwondo to Assam and Manipur in the early 1980s.
His recent outreach to Kuki-Zo villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong on December 8 last year marked the first visit by a Meitei MLA across ethnic lines since the outbreak of violence in 2023, highlighting his role as a reconciler and leader.
Political Experience and Constituency Representation
Khemchand has represented the Singjamei constituency since 2017 and brings substantial political experience to his new role. He previously served as speaker of the assembly from 2017 to 2022 and as a cabinet minister in the second Biren Singh government, handling important portfolios including MAHUD, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Education.
Current Political Landscape in Manipur
Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, 2025, with the 60-member assembly in suspended animation. The BJP currently holds 37 seats in the assembly, bolstered by support from defectors from JD(U) and allies including NPP, NPF, and Independents.
Background of Ethnic Conflict and Hope for Peace
The state has witnessed tragic violence since May 2023, with more than 260 people killed and thousands displaced in clashes between Meiteis and Kukis. Khemchand's elevation to the chief minister's position is widely viewed as a crucial step toward reconciliation and stability, leveraging his unique background and demonstrated outreach efforts to heal the deep ethnic divisions.
His inability to travel to Seoul earlier for his taekwondo recognition due to the ethnic conflict in Manipur underscores the personal and professional challenges posed by the state's unrest, making his new leadership role all the more significant for the path to peace.
