From Taekwondo Black Belt To Manipur CM: The Rise Of Yumnam Khemchand Singh

BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday, marking the end of nearly a year of President’s rule in the conflict-affected state. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy at Lok Bhavan in Imphal.

The ceremony was attended by several BJP legislators, senior party functionaries, and top leaders of the NDA in Manipur. The President’s rule, which had been imposed on February 13 last year, was formally revoked earlier today.

President’s rule was imposed after N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister, following criticisms of his government’s handling of ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis that broke out in May 2023.

Who Is Yumnam Khemchand Singh?

Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a senior BJP leader and a two-time MLA from the Singjamei constituency, was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party on Tuesday, paving the way for him to become the state’s head.

Belonging to the Meitei community, Singh has held several key positions in Manipur politics. He served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and was a cabinet minister in the second Biren Singh government, handling portfolios such as Municipal Administration and Housing Development, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and the Education Department.

Singh is also known for his engagement with community issues. In December last year, he became the first Meitei MLA to visit relief camps for internally displaced persons from the Kuki community in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, personally interacting with the IDPs.

Outside politics, the 62-year-old has a passion for martial arts. He became the first Indian to receive a 5th Dan black belt in traditional Taekwondo, awarded by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation in Seoul last year.