Speaking to reporters on Sunday in Imphal, Singh highlighted the rarity of the talks— the first in almost three years. He thanked KZC for accepting the invitation and stressed the session’s focus on promoting state-wide peace. ‘We’ve appealed to all stakeholders to move forward on ‘forgive and forget’ since I took charge,’ he noted, outlining government initiatives for stability.

KZC’s statement detailed the 105-minute discussion, where they voiced demands for immediate de-escalation between Kuki and Tangkhul Nagas, justice for violence victims as a prerequisite for reconciliation, and sanctity of buffer zones until a political deal. They also pushed for accelerating talks on suspending security operations.

Singh reciprocated by outlining his administration’s peace roadmap, expressing concerns over the unrest, and praising KZC’s initiative. Though inconclusive, the meet ended on a hopeful note, with hints of continued engagement. On separatist demands, Singh was unequivocal: New Delhi has ruled out any division of Manipur.

This dialogue arrives at a pivotal moment, following the CMO’s March 17 letter proposing the meet. With ethnic violence displacing thousands and claiming lives since May 2023, such steps are vital. Analysts see it as a breakthrough, potentially fostering trust and opening doors to multifaceted negotiations for sustainable harmony in the northeastern state.

The gazette notification, endorsed by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, details the assignments. Nemcha Kipgen, BJP’s Deputy CM and Kuki representative, leads Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Affairs, and Hills. NPF’s Losi Dikho handles Public Health Engineering, Forests, Environment, and Climate Change.

Home and Youth Affairs go to BJP’s Konthoujam Govindas, while NPP’s Khurejiam Loken manages Culture and Tourism. This distribution underscores the multi-party alliance’s role in addressing Manipur’s diverse ethnic fabric.

Formed after revoking President’s Rule imposed post-ethnic clashes and ex-CM N Biren Singh’s exit, the government swore in on February 4. Kipgen’s virtual oath from Delhi highlighted persistent security challenges.

Government channels described the reshuffle as pivotal for robust administration. Expansion awaits the budget session after Holi, per BJP insiders. The CM has repeatedly stressed shared duty in peace restoration.

Preceding this, a Delhi visit saw dialogues with top central leaders on displacement, reconciliation, and development. Meetings included PM Modi, ministers Gadkari, Rajnath, Sitharaman, Scindia, Chouhan, plus BJP brass, signaling strong central backing.

As Manipur’s assembly resumes normalcy till 2027, these moves aim to rebuild trust and propel progress in a violence-scarred state.

Addressing the state assembly, the BJP leader delved into Manipur’s turbulent ethnic past, highlighting the catastrophic Kuki-Naga conflict in 1993 that resulted in more than 1,000 deaths. Labeling it a tragic chapter, Singh called for unwavering commitment to avoid repeating history.

He underscored that peace restoration demands joint efforts from everyone involved, pointing to the trust gap currently blocking safe mobility and rehabilitation of displaced families.

Singh, aged 61 and a prominent Meitei figure, thanked opposition members for backing governmental steps toward stability, following the ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos that began in May 2023. The state had been under President’s Rule since February 13 of the previous year.

The session concluded with Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata proroguing the seventh session of the 12th Assembly indefinitely. Singh’s political journey includes two terms as Speaker (2017-2022) and victories from Singjamei in Imphal West in the 2017 and 2022 BJP-led elections.

Post the BJP’s back-to-back poll success in 2022, he joined the cabinet under N. Biren Singh. In a significant development, the central government revoked President’s Rule on Wednesday, enabling the NDA coalition to form a new government led by Singh.

This transition marks a critical juncture for Manipur, where fostering unity amid deep-seated divisions will test the resolve of leaders and communities alike. The CM’s vision of shared responsibility offers a roadmap, but implementation remains the true challenge.

In a well-attended event, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla officiated the swearing-in for Singh, deputies Nemcha Kipgen (BJP) and Losi Diko (NPF), plus ministers Govindas Konthoujam (BJP) and Khuraijam Loken Singh (NPP). Kipgen joined remotely, underscoring logistical adaptations in coalition politics.

This five-member ministry is provisional, with plans for broader expansion to fill remaining slots. BJP heavyweights like Tarun Chugh, Sambit Patra, ex-CM Biren Singh, and others witnessed the ceremony, projecting unity.

The government’s formation was enabled by a key gazette from Home Ministry, where President Droupadi Murmu nullified the February 13, 2025, proclamation under Article 356(2). Effective from February 4, 2026, it restores elected rule.

Singh, a prominent Meitei face, steps in amid calls for reconciliation post-violence. His cabinet reflects ethnic balance—Kuki (Kipgen), Naga (Diko)—vital for Manipur’s fragile harmony.

Challenges loom large: healing ethnic rifts, boosting economy, tackling militancy. Yet, the NDA’s solid majority offers a platform for reforms. Analysts predict focus on youth employment, border security, and infrastructure to rebuild trust.

As Singh addresses the assembly soon, expectations run high for a governance model prioritizing dialogue and delivery. Manipur’s people await tangible progress in this new chapter.