On February 4, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, 62, was sworn in as Manipur's Chief Minister. Singh, a two-time MLA from Singjamei and former Assembly Speaker, was chosen by the BJP leadership in Delhi. Manipur has been facing an ethnic crisis since May 3, 2023, between the majority Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo people. The President's Rule in the state was ending on February 13, and the BJP avoided extending it via a constitutional amendment to dodge Opposition criticism. Singh is backed by the RSS and aligned with the Centre's views. Though Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam holds the law and order portfolio, Singh's appointment aims to maintain peace after a year with no major violence and many arrests. He once taught taekwondo and first ran for election in 2012 on a Trinamool ticket but lost narrowly. His 2022 election affidavit shows no criminal cases. The BJP's central leadership selected Singh with the support of outgoing CM N. Biren Singh, whose resignation triggered the crisis. Singh had earlier urged Biren Singh to resign and warned the government would collapse otherwise. Singh became the first Meitei MLA to visit Kuki-Zo villages and relief camps after the violence. He said, “We, the elders, may have our differences, but we should not allow this conflict to affect the future of our children.” He praised the Hmar community’s efforts for peace in a January post. Singh has two deputies: Nemcha Kipgen (Kuki-Zo) and Losii Dikho (Naga People’s Front). Kipgen took oath virtually from Delhi, sparking protests in Kuki-Zo areas demanding political resolution before legitimizing the government with their MLA. With state elections due in February 2027, Singh faces the challenge of handling ethnic strife and governance in Manipur's fragile political landscape.