Peace on the horizon after formation of popular Government
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Oinam Nabakishore Singh
With the President’s Rule in Manipur was to end on the 12th February, 2026 after one year since its imposition, the Union Government chose to revoke it and install a popular government in the state. Extending the central rule beyond one year through amendment of the Constitution is possible if the Centre chose that option, such option would have attracted criticism from across the board. The claim of peace returning to the state would have fallen flat if central rule was extended further. Furthermore, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which mustered absolute majority in the last election to the state assembly in 2022, but rejected by the electorate at the election to the Lok Sabha in 2024 in the aftermath of the conflict for poor handling of it by both the Central and state governments, has to strengthen itself by being in power. BJP has its sight on the next Assembly election to the Assembly to be held in early part of 2027. After hectic parleys in Delhi, central BJP leadership after consulting its legislators, picked Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh to be the next Chief Minister of Manipur. He was sworn in as Chief Minister along with four others on the 4th February, 2026.
What is significant in the recent political development is the participation of MLAs from Kuki-Zo community in the new state government in spite of objection from civil society organizations of that community. Swearing of Ms. Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister in the new government sends out a strong message to the Kuki-Zo community that the central leadership recognizes the rightful place of that community in the scheme of things related to governance of the state. However, her virtual swearing from Manipur Bhavan, Delhi, though not illegal in the era of internet, was not the most desirable act. Further, landing of two Kuki-Zo MLAs, Mr. L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate, at Imphal Airport to participate at the swearing ceremony of the new government speaks volume about their grit and conviction to the peace and unity of Manipur. Both of them deserve admiration and appreciation for the risks taken by them. In the aftermath of swearing, there is a widespread protest by Kuki-Zo civil society organizations against the formation of a new government as if the latter is antithetical to the demand for separate administration for Kuki-Zo people. Handling of the protests by the administration tactfully and use of requisite forces to not allow the protesters to derail the restoration of normalcy calls for administrative acumen of the Chief Minister. It is quite heartening to notice that Mr. Losii Dikho, Deputy Chief Minister from the Naga community, has set out to talk to the Kuki youths at Motbung, Kangpokpi district on the need for reconciliation now. Being a neutral person in the conflict and a Christian, who believes in the bible, his background stands him in good stead to convince young Kuki Christians to choose the path of peace and reconciliation.
Mr. Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who has a background martial arts teacher, is an unassuming person without any ego. He can reach out to his friends and adversaries in both hills and valley alike. His surprising and unannounced visit to a relief camp of Kukis at Litan in Ukhrul district recently though objected subsequently by the Kuki CSOs point to his commitment to peace among the communities living in the state. The visit was appreciated by many people as it breaks the barrier between the two communities. It may be expected that Mr. Khemchand will venture out to more Kuki-Zo dominated areas to reach out to them to build peaceful and normal Manipur. Extraordinary situations like the one prevailing in Manipur calls for extraordinary approach. It appears that Mr. Khemchand as Chief Minister of Manipur will adopt new and innovative methods to address the complex situation in the state. However, a pertinent question to be asked of BJP leadership is if they would really give a free hand to Mr. Khemchand to seek a solution to the vexed problem of the state.
One would also ponder if the present arrangement of entrusting the management of law and order in the hands of Security Advisor appointed by the state government should continue or not. Operationally, heading of Unified Command by the Security Advisor, and not by the Chief Minister after the eruption of conflict, would handicap the Chief Minister unless there is agreement between them on the approach to tackle wider law and order problems. In the present law and order situation, a lot of coordination and commonality between central forces and state forces is required. Looking positively, having an experienced policeman in the person of Mr. Kuldiep Singh as Security Advisor should help the administration in delivering on maintenance of law and order.
Though development of the state is pivotal, focusing on law and order now by the state administration should occupy attention of Chief Minister and his team. Disarming armed militants both in the hills and valley should be the priority. Facebook of “Kukiland” shows images of armed militants in military uniforms carrying sophisticated arms. It is assumed that they are members of cadres of groups in Suspension of Operation(SoO) with the government. Display of arms publicly suppresses public opinion on any public issue. It rather conveys a message of “might is right”. If the new government is serious about restoration of peace, first and foremost step is disarming cadres of militant groups as envisaged in the terms of SoS.
While political representation of Kuki-Zo community in the government is of great importance, transparent and fair allocation of financial resources to all communities will help in bridging the trust deficit. Opaque and unintelligible budgetary figures not available to the general public confound the general public. It is the duty of the government to constantly convey to the people especially those living in the hills of Manipur of the allocation of resources by both Central and state governments, and efforts to bridge the gap if any.
It is also high time that civil servants belonging to Kuki-Zo community working elsewhere are brought to the State Secretariat to handle their jobs. Adequate security should also be provided so that they are able to discharge their duty without any fear. What is required is bringing back the structure of administration that existed before the 3rd May, 2023.
Inclusiveness in every administrative ladder is so that all communities feel that they are represented. However, since the path is filled with thorns, slow and feasible steps towards normalcy may be taken by the government. Consultation with important stakeholders in every step may help in removing the thorn and smoothening the path to normalcy. Wishing the popular government to be effective government to restore peace and normalcy.
The writer is former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Manipur and a retired IAS officer.
With the President’s Rule in Manipur was to end on the 12th February, 2026 after one year since its imposition, the Union Government chose to revoke it and install a popular government in the state. Extending the central rule beyond one year through amendment of the Constitution is possible if the Centre chose that option, such option would have attracted criticism from across the board. The claim of peace returning to the state would have fallen flat if central rule was extended further. Furthermore, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which mustered absolute majority in the last election to the state assembly in 2022, but rejected by the electorate at the election to the Lok Sabha in 2024 in the aftermath of the conflict for poor handling of it by both the Central and state governments, has to strengthen itself by being in power. BJP has its sight on the next Assembly election to the Assembly to be held in early part of 2027. After hectic parleys in Delhi, central BJP leadership after consulting its legislators, picked Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh to be the next Chief Minister of Manipur. He was sworn in as Chief Minister along with four others on the 4th February, 2026.
What is significant in the recent political development is the participation of MLAs from Kuki-Zo community in the new state government in spite of objection from civil society organizations of that community. Swearing of Ms. Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister in the new government sends out a strong message to the Kuki-Zo community that the central leadership recognizes the rightful place of that community in the scheme of things related to governance of the state. However, her virtual swearing from Manipur Bhavan, Delhi, though not illegal in the era of internet, was not the most desirable act. Further, landing of two Kuki-Zo MLAs, Mr. L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate, at Imphal Airport to participate at the swearing ceremony of the new government speaks volume about their grit and conviction to the peace and unity of Manipur. Both of them deserve admiration and appreciation for the risks taken by them. In the aftermath of swearing, there is a widespread protest by Kuki-Zo civil society organizations against the formation of a new government as if the latter is antithetical to the demand for separate administration for Kuki-Zo people. Handling of the protests by the administration tactfully and use of requisite forces to not allow the protesters to derail the restoration of normalcy calls for administrative acumen of the Chief Minister. It is quite heartening to notice that Mr. Losii Dikho, Deputy Chief Minister from the Naga community, has set out to talk to the Kuki youths at Motbung, Kangpokpi district on the need for reconciliation now. Being a neutral person in the conflict and a Christian, who believes in the bible, his background stands him in good stead to convince young Kuki Christians to choose the path of peace and reconciliation.
Mr. Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who has a background martial arts teacher, is an unassuming person without any ego. He can reach out to his friends and adversaries in both hills and valley alike. His surprising and unannounced visit to a relief camp of Kukis at Litan in Ukhrul district recently though objected subsequently by the Kuki CSOs point to his commitment to peace among the communities living in the state. The visit was appreciated by many people as it breaks the barrier between the two communities. It may be expected that Mr. Khemchand will venture out to more Kuki-Zo dominated areas to reach out to them to build peaceful and normal Manipur. Extraordinary situations like the one prevailing in Manipur calls for extraordinary approach. It appears that Mr. Khemchand as Chief Minister of Manipur will adopt new and innovative methods to address the complex situation in the state. However, a pertinent question to be asked of BJP leadership is if they would really give a free hand to Mr. Khemchand to seek a solution to the vexed problem of the state.
One would also ponder if the present arrangement of entrusting the management of law and order in the hands of Security Advisor appointed by the state government should continue or not. Operationally, heading of Unified Command by the Security Advisor, and not by the Chief Minister after the eruption of conflict, would handicap the Chief Minister unless there is agreement between them on the approach to tackle wider law and order problems. In the present law and order situation, a lot of coordination and commonality between central forces and state forces is required. Looking positively, having an experienced policeman in the person of Mr. Kuldiep Singh as Security Advisor should help the administration in delivering on maintenance of law and order.
Though development of the state is pivotal, focusing on law and order now by the state administration should occupy attention of Chief Minister and his team. Disarming armed militants both in the hills and valley should be the priority. Facebook of “Kukiland” shows images of armed militants in military uniforms carrying sophisticated arms. It is assumed that they are members of cadres of groups in Suspension of Operation(SoO) with the government. Display of arms publicly suppresses public opinion on any public issue. It rather conveys a message of “might is right”. If the new government is serious about restoration of peace, first and foremost step is disarming cadres of militant groups as envisaged in the terms of SoS.
While political representation of Kuki-Zo community in the government is of great importance, transparent and fair allocation of financial resources to all communities will help in bridging the trust deficit. Opaque and unintelligible budgetary figures not available to the general public confound the general public. It is the duty of the government to constantly convey to the people especially those living in the hills of Manipur of the allocation of resources by both Central and state governments, and efforts to bridge the gap if any.
It is also high time that civil servants belonging to Kuki-Zo community working elsewhere are brought to the State Secretariat to handle their jobs. Adequate security should also be provided so that they are able to discharge their duty without any fear. What is required is bringing back the structure of administration that existed before the 3rd May, 2023.
Inclusiveness in every administrative ladder is so that all communities feel that they are represented. However, since the path is filled with thorns, slow and feasible steps towards normalcy may be taken by the government. Consultation with important stakeholders in every step may help in removing the thorn and smoothening the path to normalcy. Wishing the popular government to be effective government to restore peace and normalcy.
The writer is former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Manipur and a retired IAS officer.