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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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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Nearly a year after former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025, leading to

Almost one year has passed since the previous Chief Minister quit, which caused the Central government to take direct control of the state.

Part 2

President Droupadi Murmu

The Head of State of India, who has the formal power to end or start direct Central rule in a state.

Part 3

revoked

Officially cancelled or took back an order.

Part 4

the order

The legal document that had put Manipur under President’s Rule.

Part 5

to the return of a

To make it possible for an elected government (chosen by the people) to start working again.

Part 6

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh

The specific politician from the BJP who has been chosen as the new leader.

Part 7

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The two Deputy Chief Ministers

The two high-ranking ministers who will assist the Chief Minister in running the government.

Part 2

are

Represents the current fact or identity.

Part 3

Nemcha Kipgen, from the , and Losii Dikho of the BJP’s , the

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While these moves were taken to avoid President’s Rule beyond one year, which would have required moving a 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.

Part 2

they

These political actions (appointing a new CM and cabinet).

Part 3

also allow

Make it possible for something else to happen as well.

Part 4

the ruling BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently in power.

Part 5

to provide a of democratic to help it regain public support during the final year of the Assembly’s

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As seen in the general election

Based on the results of the recent nationwide voting.

Part 2

the second of N. Biren Singh

The very unsuccessful second period of time when N. Biren Singh was the Chief Minister.

Part 3

had led

Caused or resulted in.

Part 4

to in the of Manipur

To unhappiness among people living in both the mountain areas and the flat lands of the state.

Part 5

reflected in the victory of 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Subsequently

After that; later on.

Part 2

as violence spread across even relatively peaceful areas

When fighting started happening occasionally in places that were otherwise quiet.

Part 3

a of 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.

Part 4

successfully

Effectively persuaded people in power to make a change.

Part 5

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

That Mr. Biren Singh was present when Mr. Khemchand Singh was by the BJP leadership to the posts of 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.

Part 2

suggests

Indicates or gives a sign of.

Part 3

party

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Khemchand Singh

The new Chief Minister of Manipur.

Part 2

had also signalled

Had previously shown a sign or indication of his feelings.

Part 3

his in working towards between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities

His plan or desire to bring peace and friendship back between the two fighting groups.

Part 4

by visiting a Kuki-Zo in the Naga- 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

President’s Rule

The period of direct administration by the Central government.

Part 2

was also intended

Was meant to do something; had a specific purpose.

Part 3

to the of armed radical groups and facilitate the safe return of the

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While security forces had managed to recover a significant portion of weapons and the of radical groups

Although the army and police have taken back many stolen guns and reduced the excitement of violent groups.

Part 2

the human cost of the

The suffering, deaths, and broken lives caused by the fighting between the ethnic groups.

Part 3

still remains

Continues to be in a certain state.

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Only 9,000 of the 60,000

Just a small number (9,000) out of the roughly 60,000 people who had to leave their homes.

Part 2

have returned

Have gone back.

Part 3

home

To their original houses or villages.

Part 4

reflecting the

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

acts, such as the 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.

Part 2

underscore

Highlight or emphasize the importance of something.

Part 3

the urgent need to that continue to

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party.

Part 2

has successfully

Has effectively used a situation to its advantage.

Part 3

political survival

The need for the party and its leaders to stay in power.

Part 4

as a 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

However

But; on the other hand.

Part 2

a similar between the communities

Trying to create a similar peaceful agreement between the groups of people (Meiteis and Kuki-Zos).

Part 3

remains

Continues to be.

Part 4

a 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

With Kuki-Zo groups continuing to demand an “separate administration” which will lead to further 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.

Part 2

the new government

The newly formed leadership in Manipur.

Part 3

must move

Is required to go or act in a certain way.

Part 4

beyond such as 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

True

Real and lasting peace and order.

Part 2

will require

Will need or demand.

Part 3

an that engages all political and 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

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 A new government led by BJP’s Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been sworn in Manipur after nearly a year of President’s Rule.
2 The move aims to restore democratic governance and avoid extending President’s Rule, which would require a Constitutional amendment.
3 The leadership change was driven by internal BJP discontent over former CM N. Biren Singh’s handling of ethnic violence and electoral losses.
4 While the BJP has achieved internal party consensus, the state still faces deep ethnic divisions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
5 True stability in Manipur requires the new government to move beyond token gestures and engage in inclusive dialogue for lasting trust.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial examines the recent political shift in Manipur objectively. It analyzes the reasons behind the leadership change (internal BJP dynamics and electoral discontent) while highlighting the significant challenges that remain (ethnic strife and trust deficit). Words like “semblance of democratic governance”, “daunting task”, and “trust deficit” show a balanced assessment of the situation.

Sentence 1 of 15

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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.

Part 2

President Droupadi Murmu

The Head of State of India, who has the formal power to end or start direct Central rule in a state.

Part 3

revoked

Officially cancelled or took back an order.

Part 4

the order

The legal document that had put Manipur under President’s Rule.

Part 5

to facilitate the return of a popular government

To make it possible for an elected government (chosen by the people) to start working again.

Part 6

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh

The specific politician from the BJP who has been chosen as the new leader.

Part 7

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The two Deputy Chief Ministers

The two high-ranking ministers who will assist the Chief Minister in running the government.

Part 2

are

Represents the current fact or identity.

Part 3

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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.

Part 2

they

These political actions (appointing a new CM and cabinet).

Part 3

also allow

Make it possible for something else to happen as well.

Part 4

the ruling BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently in power.

Part 5

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As seen in the general election

Based on the results of the recent nationwide voting.

Part 2

the disastrous second tenure of N. Biren Singh

The very unsuccessful second period of time when N. Biren Singh was the Chief Minister.

Part 3

had led

Caused or resulted in.

Part 4

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.

Part 5

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Subsequently

After that; later on.

Part 2

as sporadic violence spread across even relatively peaceful areas

When fighting started happening occasionally in places that were otherwise quiet.

Part 3

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.

Part 4

successfully lobbied

Effectively persuaded people in power to make a change.

Part 5

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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.

Part 2

suggests

Indicates or gives a sign of.

Part 3

party consensus

Agreement among all members of the political party.

Sentence 7 of 15

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Khemchand Singh

The new Chief Minister of Manipur.

Part 2

had also signalled

Had previously shown a sign or indication of his feelings.

Part 3

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.

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

President’s Rule

The period of direct administration by the Central government.

Part 2

was also intended

Was meant to do something; had a specific purpose.

Part 3

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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.

Part 2

the human cost of the ethnic strife

The suffering, deaths, and broken lives caused by the fighting between the ethnic groups.

Part 3

still remains

Continues to be in a certain state.

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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.

Part 2

have returned

Have gone back.

Part 3

home

To their original houses or villages.

Part 4

reflecting the enduring trust deficit

Showing that the lack of trust between people is still very strong and lasting.

Sentence 11 of 15

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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.

Part 2

underscore

Highlight or emphasize the importance of something.

Part 3

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party.

Part 2

has successfully leveraged

Has effectively used a situation to its advantage.

Part 3

political survival

The need for the party and its leaders to stay in power.

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

However

But; on the other hand.

Part 2

engineering a similar detente between the communities

Trying to create a similar peaceful agreement between the groups of people (Meiteis and Kuki-Zos).

Part 3

remains

Continues to be.

Part 4

a daunting task

A very difficult and scary job.

Sentence 14 of 15

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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.

Part 2

the new government

The newly formed leadership in Manipur.

Part 3

must move

Is required to go or act in a certain way.

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

True stability

Real and lasting peace and order.

Part 2

will require

Will need or demand.

Part 3

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

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