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The Hindu Editorial • February 05, 2026 • Read Original

Joining hands: On Manipur and Y. Khemchand Singh as new Chief Minister

The BJP manages internal unity in Manipur; the State still awaits it

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The Hindu Read Original
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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on February 05, 2026

Joining hands: On Manipur and Y. Khemchand Singh as new Chief Minister

The BJP manages internal unity in Manipur; the State still awaits it

Manipur PoliticsY. Khemchand SinghN. Biren SinghPresident's RuleKuki-Zo Meitei ConflictBJP
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 15
English Original

Nearly a year after former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, leading to President’s Rule, President Droupadi Murmu revoked the order on Wednesday to facilitate the return of a popular government — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct + Adjunct — S + V + Adjunct Independent Clauses Compound-Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Nearly a year after former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, leading to President’s Rule
Almost one year has passed since the previous Chief Minister quit, which caused the Central government to take direct control of the state.
Subject Who/What
President Droupadi Murmu
The Head of State of India, who has the formal power to end or start direct Central rule in a state.
Verb What is happening
revoked
Officially cancelled or took back an order.
Object What receives action
the order
The legal document that had put Manipur under President’s Rule.
Adjunct Additional info
to facilitate the return of a popular government
To make it possible for an elected government (chosen by the people) to start working again.
Subject Who/What
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh
The specific politician from the BJP who has been chosen as the new leader.
Verb What is happening
was sworn in
Took the official oath of office to start his duties.
Context and Background
Political Crisis in Manipur

Manipur was placed under President’s Rule in February 2025 after N. Biren Singh resigned following intense ethnic violence and political instability. This direct rule by the Centre is a temporary measure used when state machinery fails to function according to the Constitution.

Sentence 2 of 15
English Original

The two Deputy Chief Ministers are Nemcha Kipgen, from the Kuki-Zo community, and Losii Dikho of the BJP’s ally, the Naga People’s Front.

Simple Present S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The two Deputy Chief Ministers
The two high-ranking ministers who will assist the Chief Minister in running the government.
Verb What is happening
are
Represents the current fact or identity.
Complement Completes meaning
Nemcha Kipgen, from the Kuki-Zo community, and Losii Dikho of the BJP’s ally, the Naga People’s Front
The names of the two ministers and where they come from (their community and party).
Context and Background
Representing Diversity in Manipur

The appointment of Deputy CMs from the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities is a strategic move by the BJP. It aims to show that the new government is inclusive of different ethnic groups in a state that has seen deep divisions between the valley-based Meiteis and hills-based communities.

Sentence 3 of 15
English Original

While these moves were taken to avoid extending President’s Rule beyond one year, which would have required moving a Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament, they also allow the ruling BJP to provide a semblance of democratic governance to help it regain public support during the final year of the Assembly’s tenure.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause with Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
While these moves were taken to avoid extending President’s Rule beyond one year, which would have required moving a Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament
The government changed the leadership now because keeping the state under Central rule for more than a year is legally very difficult and requires new laws to be passed in Delhi.
Subject Who/What
they
These political actions (appointing a new CM and cabinet).
Verb What is happening
also allow
Make it possible for something else to happen as well.
Object What receives action
the ruling BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently in power.
Adjunct Additional info
to provide a semblance of democratic governance to help it regain public support during the final year of the Assembly’s tenure
To create an appearance of a normal elected government so that people might start liking the party again before the next elections.
Context and Background
Legality of President

Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, President’s Rule can normally only be extended beyond one year if a National Emergency is in place or if the Election Commission certifies that assembly elections cannot be held. To bypass these strict rules, the Central government would need to pass a Constitutional Amendment in Parliament, which is a complex political process.

Sentence 4 of 15
English Original

As seen in the general election, the disastrous second tenure of N. Biren Singh had led to discontent in the hills and valley of Manipur, reflected in the victory of Opposition candidates.

Past Perfect Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause with Participle Phrase Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
As seen in the general election
Based on the results of the recent nationwide voting.
Subject Who/What
the disastrous second tenure of N. Biren Singh
The very unsuccessful second period of time when N. Biren Singh was the Chief Minister.
Verb What is happening
had led
Caused or resulted in.
Adjunct Additional info
to discontent in the hills and valley of Manipur
To unhappiness among people living in both the mountain areas and the flat lands of the state.
Adjunct Additional info
reflected in the victory of Opposition candidates
Shown clearly by the fact that politicians from other parties (not BJP) won the elections.
Context and Background
2024 Lok Sabha Results in Manipur

In the 2024 General Elections, the BJP and its allies lost both Lok Sabha seats in Manipur to the Congress. This was seen as a strong message from the public against the government’s failure to control the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.

Sentence 5 of 15
English Original

Subsequently, as sporadic violence spread across even relatively peaceful areas, a coalition of internal critics in the BJP, which included Mr. Khemchand Singh, successfully lobbied for a change in leadership.

Simple Past Adjunct + Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct Main Clause with Subordinate and Relative Clauses Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Subsequently
After that; later on.
Adjunct Additional info
as sporadic violence spread across even relatively peaceful areas
When fighting started happening occasionally in places that were otherwise quiet.
Subject Who/What
a coalition of internal critics in the BJP, which included Mr. Khemchand Singh
A group of people within the BJP party who were unhappy with the leadership, including the man who is now the new CM.
Verb What is happening
successfully lobbied
Effectively persuaded people in power to make a change.
Adjunct Additional info
for a change in leadership
To have a new person take over as the head of the government.
Sentence 6 of 15
English Original

That Mr. Biren Singh was present when Mr. Khemchand Singh was nominated by the BJP leadership to the posts of Legislature Party leader and Chief Minister suggests party consensus.

Simple Present S + V + O Main Clause containing a Noun Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
That Mr. Biren Singh was present when Mr. Khemchand Singh was nominated by the BJP leadership to the posts of Legislature Party leader and Chief Minister
The fact that the former CM was there during the naming of the new CM shows that the change was official and accepted by everyone within the party.
Verb What is happening
suggests
Indicates or gives a sign of.
Object What receives action
party consensus
Agreement among all members of the political party.
Sentence 7 of 15
English Original

Mr. Khemchand Singh had also signalled his intent in working towards reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities by visiting a Kuki-Zo relief camp in the Naga-dominated Ukhrul district last year.

Past Perfect S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Mr. Khemchand Singh
The new Chief Minister of Manipur.
Verb What is happening
had also signalled
Had previously shown a sign or indication of his feelings.
Object What receives action
his intent in working towards reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities
His plan or desire to bring peace and friendship back between the two fighting groups.
Adjunct Additional info
by visiting a Kuki-Zo relief camp in the Naga-dominated Ukhrul district last year
By going to a place where displaced Kuki people are staying in an area mostly lived in by Naga tribes.
Context and Background
Ukhrul District and Ethnic Dynamics

Ukhrul is a district in Manipur primarily inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga tribe. By visiting a Kuki-Zo relief camp in a Naga area, Khemchand Singh (a Meitei) sent a message of neutrality and a willingness to reach out to groups that had been alienated by the previous government.

Sentence 8 of 15
English Original

President’s Rule was also intended to dismantle the impunity of armed radical groups and facilitate the safe return of the displaced.

Simple Past S + V + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
President’s Rule
The period of direct administration by the Central government.
Verb What is happening
was also intended
Was meant to do something; had a specific purpose.
Adjunct Additional info
to dismantle the impunity of armed radical groups and facilitate the safe return of the displaced
To stop violent groups from breaking laws without fear and to help people who fled their homes come back safely.
Context and Background
Armed Groups in Manipur

Manipur has several armed militant groups representing different ethnic interests. During the ethnic conflict, these groups often operated with ‘impunity’, meaning they could commit violence without being punished. Restoring the rule of law and disarming these groups were key goals of the Central administration.

Sentence 9 of 15
English Original

While security forces had managed to recover a significant portion of looted weapons and tamp down the fervour of radical groups, the human cost of the ethnic strife still remains unaddressed.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C Main Clause with Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
While security forces had managed to recover a significant portion of looted weapons and tamp down the fervour of radical groups
Although the army and police have taken back many stolen guns and reduced the excitement of violent groups.
Subject Who/What
the human cost of the ethnic strife
The suffering, deaths, and broken lives caused by the fighting between the ethnic groups.
Verb What is happening
still remains
Continues to be in a certain state.
Complement Completes meaning
unaddressed
Not yet dealt with or solved.
Context and Background
Looting of Armories

In the early weeks of the Manipur conflict in May 2023, thousands of weapons were looted from state police armories by mobs. While many have been recovered through search operations, the physical and emotional trauma faced by the victims remains a major challenge for the administration.

Sentence 10 of 15
English Original

Only 9,000 of the estimated 60,000 displaced persons have returned home, reflecting the enduring trust deficit.

Present Perfect S + V + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause with Participle Phrase Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Only 9,000 of the estimated 60,000 displaced persons
Just a small number (9,000) out of the roughly 60,000 people who had to leave their homes.
Verb What is happening
have returned
Have gone back.
Adjunct Additional info
home
To their original houses or villages.
Adjunct Additional info
reflecting the enduring trust deficit
Showing that the lack of trust between people is still very strong and lasting.
Sentence 11 of 15
English Original

Dastardly acts, such as the execution of a Meitei man in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur, in January, while visiting his Kuki-Zo wife, underscore the urgent need to defang radical groups that continue to hold sway.

Simple Present S + V + O Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Dastardly acts, such as the execution of a Meitei man in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur, in January, while visiting his Kuki-Zo wife
Cruel and cowardly actions, like the recent killing of a Meitei man in his wife’s village.
Verb What is happening
underscore
Highlight or emphasize the importance of something.
Object What receives action
the urgent need to defang radical groups that continue to hold sway
The very important requirement to take away the power of violent groups that still control the situation.
Context and Background
The Tuibong Execution (January 2026)

M. Rishikanta, a Meitei man, was executed in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur in January 2026 while visiting his Kuki-Zo wife. Despite having permission for the visit, he was abducted and shot. This tragic event highlighted that extremist groups still have enough power to disrupt small steps towards communal harmony.

Sentence 12 of 15
English Original

The BJP has successfully leveraged political survival as a glue for its leaders.

Present Perfect S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party.
Verb What is happening
has successfully leveraged
Has effectively used a situation to its advantage.
Object What receives action
political survival
The need for the party and its leaders to stay in power.
Adjunct Additional info
as a glue for its leaders
As a way to keep all its members together and working towards the same goal.
Sentence 13 of 15
English Original

However, engineering a similar detente between the communities remains a daunting task.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
However
But; on the other hand.
Subject Who/What
engineering a similar detente between the communities
Trying to create a similar peaceful agreement between the groups of people (Meiteis and Kuki-Zos).
Verb What is happening
remains
Continues to be.
Complement Completes meaning
a daunting task
A very difficult and scary job.
Sentence 14 of 15
English Original

With Kuki-Zo groups continuing to demand an untenable “separate administration” which will lead to further discord beyond just the two communities, the new government must move beyond token concessions such as accommodating different community representatives in leadership positions.

Modal Verb Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct Main Clause containing a Prepositional Phrase and a Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
With Kuki-Zo groups continuing to demand an untenable “separate administration” which will lead to further discord beyond just the two communities
Because the Kuki-Zo people are still asking for their own separate government (which is not possible to give) and this might cause more trouble for others in the state too.
Subject Who/What
the new government
The newly formed leadership in Manipur.
Verb What is happening
must move
Is required to go or act in a certain way.
Adjunct Additional info
beyond token concessions such as accommodating different community representatives in leadership positions
Past just small, symbolic gestures like giving some minister posts to different communities.
Context and Background
The Demand for

Since the violence began in May 2023, Kuki-Zo organizations and MLAs have demanded a “Separate Administration” (a separate state or Union Territory) for the hills, arguing they can no longer live safely with the Meiteis. The Central and State governments have rejected this demand as it would involve partitioning the state.

Sentence 15 of 15
English Original

True stability will require an inclusive dialogue that engages all political and civil society stakeholders to rebuild the foundation of trust.

Simple Future S + V + O Main Clause containing a Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
True stability
Real and lasting peace and order.
Verb What is happening
will require
Will need or demand.
Object What receives action
an inclusive dialogue that engages all political and civil society stakeholders to rebuild the foundation of trust
A conversation that includes everyone (politicians and ordinary community leaders) to start trusting each other again from the start.
Sentence 1 of 15
Sentence 1 of 15
Nearly a year after former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, leading to President’s Rule, President Droupadi Murmu revoked the order on Wednesday to facilitate the return of a popular government — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Nearly a year after former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, leading to President’s Rule
Almost one year has passed since the previous Chief Minister quit, which caused the Central government to take direct control of the state.
Subject
President Droupadi Murmu
The Head of State of India, who has the formal power to end or start direct Central rule in a state.
Verb
revoked
Officially cancelled or took back an order.
Object
the order
The legal document that had put Manipur under President’s Rule.
Adjunct
to facilitate the return of a popular government
To make it possible for an elected government (chosen by the people) to start working again.
Subject
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh
The specific politician from the BJP who has been chosen as the new leader.
Verb
was sworn in
Took the official oath of office to start his duties.
Sentence 2 of 15
The two Deputy Chief Ministers are Nemcha Kipgen, from the Kuki-Zo community, and Losii Dikho of the BJP’s ally, the Naga People’s Front.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The two Deputy Chief Ministers
The two high-ranking ministers who will assist the Chief Minister in running the government.
Verb
are
Represents the current fact or identity.
Complement
Nemcha Kipgen, from the Kuki-Zo community, and Losii Dikho of the BJP’s ally, the Naga People’s Front
The names of the two ministers and where they come from (their community and party).
Sentence 3 of 15
While these moves were taken to avoid extending President’s Rule beyond one year, which would have required moving a Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament, they also allow the ruling BJP to provide a semblance of democratic governance to help it regain public support during the final year of the Assembly’s tenure.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
While these moves were taken to avoid extending President’s Rule beyond one year, which would have required moving a Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament
The government changed the leadership now because keeping the state under Central rule for more than a year is legally very difficult and requires new laws to be passed in Delhi.
Subject
they
These political actions (appointing a new CM and cabinet).
Verb
also allow
Make it possible for something else to happen as well.
Object
the ruling BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently in power.
Adjunct
to provide a semblance of democratic governance to help it regain public support during the final year of the Assembly’s tenure
To create an appearance of a normal elected government so that people might start liking the party again before the next elections.
Sentence 4 of 15
As seen in the general election, the disastrous second tenure of N. Biren Singh had led to discontent in the hills and valley of Manipur, reflected in the victory of Opposition candidates.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
As seen in the general election
Based on the results of the recent nationwide voting.
Subject
the disastrous second tenure of N. Biren Singh
The very unsuccessful second period of time when N. Biren Singh was the Chief Minister.
Verb
had led
Caused or resulted in.
Adjunct
to discontent in the hills and valley of Manipur
To unhappiness among people living in both the mountain areas and the flat lands of the state.
Adjunct
reflected in the victory of Opposition candidates
Shown clearly by the fact that politicians from other parties (not BJP) won the elections.
Sentence 5 of 15
Subsequently, as sporadic violence spread across even relatively peaceful areas, a coalition of internal critics in the BJP, which included Mr. Khemchand Singh, successfully lobbied for a change in leadership.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Subsequently
After that; later on.
Adjunct
as sporadic violence spread across even relatively peaceful areas
When fighting started happening occasionally in places that were otherwise quiet.
Subject
a coalition of internal critics in the BJP, which included Mr. Khemchand Singh
A group of people within the BJP party who were unhappy with the leadership, including the man who is now the new CM.
Verb
successfully lobbied
Effectively persuaded people in power to make a change.
Adjunct
for a change in leadership
To have a new person take over as the head of the government.
Sentence 6 of 15
That Mr. Biren Singh was present when Mr. Khemchand Singh was nominated by the BJP leadership to the posts of Legislature Party leader and Chief Minister suggests party consensus.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
That Mr. Biren Singh was present when Mr. Khemchand Singh was nominated by the BJP leadership to the posts of Legislature Party leader and Chief Minister
The fact that the former CM was there during the naming of the new CM shows that the change was official and accepted by everyone within the party.
Verb
suggests
Indicates or gives a sign of.
Object
party consensus
Agreement among all members of the political party.
Sentence 7 of 15
Mr. Khemchand Singh had also signalled his intent in working towards reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities by visiting a Kuki-Zo relief camp in the Naga-dominated Ukhrul district last year.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Mr. Khemchand Singh
The new Chief Minister of Manipur.
Verb
had also signalled
Had previously shown a sign or indication of his feelings.
Object
his intent in working towards reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities
His plan or desire to bring peace and friendship back between the two fighting groups.
Adjunct
by visiting a Kuki-Zo relief camp in the Naga-dominated Ukhrul district last year
By going to a place where displaced Kuki people are staying in an area mostly lived in by Naga tribes.
Sentence 8 of 15
President’s Rule was also intended to dismantle the impunity of armed radical groups and facilitate the safe return of the displaced.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
President’s Rule
The period of direct administration by the Central government.
Verb
was also intended
Was meant to do something; had a specific purpose.
Adjunct
to dismantle the impunity of armed radical groups and facilitate the safe return of the displaced
To stop violent groups from breaking laws without fear and to help people who fled their homes come back safely.
Sentence 9 of 15
While security forces had managed to recover a significant portion of looted weapons and tamp down the fervour of radical groups, the human cost of the ethnic strife still remains unaddressed.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
While security forces had managed to recover a significant portion of looted weapons and tamp down the fervour of radical groups
Although the army and police have taken back many stolen guns and reduced the excitement of violent groups.
Subject
the human cost of the ethnic strife
The suffering, deaths, and broken lives caused by the fighting between the ethnic groups.
Verb
still remains
Continues to be in a certain state.
Complement
unaddressed
Not yet dealt with or solved.
Sentence 10 of 15
Only 9,000 of the estimated 60,000 displaced persons have returned home, reflecting the enduring trust deficit.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Only 9,000 of the estimated 60,000 displaced persons
Just a small number (9,000) out of the roughly 60,000 people who had to leave their homes.
Verb
have returned
Have gone back.
Adjunct
home
To their original houses or villages.
Adjunct
reflecting the enduring trust deficit
Showing that the lack of trust between people is still very strong and lasting.
Sentence 11 of 15
Dastardly acts, such as the execution of a Meitei man in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur, in January, while visiting his Kuki-Zo wife, underscore the urgent need to defang radical groups that continue to hold sway.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Dastardly acts, such as the execution of a Meitei man in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur, in January, while visiting his Kuki-Zo wife
Cruel and cowardly actions, like the recent killing of a Meitei man in his wife’s village.
Verb
underscore
Highlight or emphasize the importance of something.
Object
the urgent need to defang radical groups that continue to hold sway
The very important requirement to take away the power of violent groups that still control the situation.
Sentence 12 of 15
The BJP has successfully leveraged political survival as a glue for its leaders.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party.
Verb
has successfully leveraged
Has effectively used a situation to its advantage.
Object
political survival
The need for the party and its leaders to stay in power.
Adjunct
as a glue for its leaders
As a way to keep all its members together and working towards the same goal.
Sentence 13 of 15
However, engineering a similar detente between the communities remains a daunting task.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
However
But; on the other hand.
Subject
engineering a similar detente between the communities
Trying to create a similar peaceful agreement between the groups of people (Meiteis and Kuki-Zos).
Verb
remains
Continues to be.
Complement
a daunting task
A very difficult and scary job.
Sentence 14 of 15
With Kuki-Zo groups continuing to demand an untenable “separate administration” which will lead to further discord beyond just the two communities, the new government must move beyond token concessions such as accommodating different community representatives in leadership positions.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
With Kuki-Zo groups continuing to demand an untenable “separate administration” which will lead to further discord beyond just the two communities
Because the Kuki-Zo people are still asking for their own separate government (which is not possible to give) and this might cause more trouble for others in the state too.
Subject
the new government
The newly formed leadership in Manipur.
Verb
must move
Is required to go or act in a certain way.
Adjunct
beyond token concessions such as accommodating different community representatives in leadership positions
Past just small, symbolic gestures like giving some minister posts to different communities.
Sentence 15 of 15
True stability will require an inclusive dialogue that engages all political and civil society stakeholders to rebuild the foundation of trust.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
True stability
Real and lasting peace and order.
Verb
will require
Will need or demand.
Object
an inclusive dialogue that engages all political and civil society stakeholders to rebuild the foundation of trust
A conversation that includes everyone (politicians and ordinary community leaders) to start trusting each other again from the start.

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Manipur Political Transition

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the political transition in Manipur and the challenges of ethnic reconciliation.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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