Manipur Puts Cabinet Expansion on Hold Amid Continuing Violence

Guwahati: The Manipur government has put its proposed expansion of the Council of Ministers on hold for the time being as the State continues to deal with violence, security concerns and political tensions. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is currently leading a five-member Council of Ministers, with any further expansion reportedly being considered only after the Durga Puja period in October.

The decision comes as Manipur continues to address the effects of the ethnic violence that began in May 2023 and prepares for the next Assembly election, with the present Assembly's term scheduled to end on March 13, 2027.

Cabinet Expansion Delayed

The Khemchand-led government is currently functioning with five members in the Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister. Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister on February 4, 2026, along with two Deputy Chief Ministers and two other ministers.

On March 4, 2026, the Manipur government formally allocated portfolios to the five members of the ministry. The official notification states that the Chief Minister would remain in charge of departments not specifically allocated to other ministers.

The sanctioned strength of the Manipur Council of Ministers is 12, meaning there is currently scope for additional appointments. However, according to The Economic Times, the government is not considering an immediate expansion and the issue could be taken up after the October Durga Puja celebrations.

Current Ministers in the Manipur Government

The present Council of Ministers consists of:

• Yumnam Khemchand Singh — Chief Minister

• Nemcha Kipgen — Deputy Chief Minister

• Losii Dikho — Deputy Chief Minister

• Konthoujam Govindas Singh — Minister

• Khuraijam Loken Singh — Minister

The official Manipur Assembly listing confirms the current five-member ministry and their portfolios.

According to the March 4 government notification, Nemcha Kipgen handles Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs & Hills. Losii Dikho has Public Health Engineering and Forest, Environment & Climate Change. Govindas Konthoujam Singh has Home and Youth Affairs & Sports, while Khuraijam Loken Singh has Arts & Culture and Tourism.

Kipgen and Govindas Konthoujam Singh are from the BJP, Losii Dikho represents the Naga People's Front (NPF), and Khuraijam Loken Singh represents the National People's Party (NPP). The ministry includes representatives associated with different communities and political parties at a time when community relations remain a major issue in the State.

Peace and Security Remain Major Priorities

The decision to delay the cabinet expansion comes amid continuing security concerns in several parts of Manipur.

Recent September incidents have included attacks involving Naga civilians in the hill districts. The Indian Express reported that at least 13 people had died in separate attacks during September by the end of the month, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing the State.

The security situation has also involved tensions between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities in parts of the State. The United Naga Council had imposed an economic blockade along highways in Naga-inhabited areas, but it temporarily suspended the blockade from September 26 after tripartite talks involving the Centre, the Manipur government and the UNC.

These developments have added to the government's challenges in maintaining law and order and ensuring the movement of people and essential supplies.

Manipur's Ethnic Conflict

The wider conflict in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, following tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

According to figures presented in the Manipur Assembly, 306 people, including security personnel, had been killed and 49 remained missing as of August 31, 2026.

More than 60,000 people have been displaced since the outbreak of the conflict, according to reporting on the humanitarian situation in the State.

The prolonged displacement has created challenges related to rehabilitation, housing, security and the return of affected families.

The Centre has also approved the construction of 5,000 houses for internally displaced persons under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). The approval was announced in February 2026 following a meeting between Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

Political Situation Ahead of the 2027 Assembly Election

Manipur is also approaching an important electoral period. The Election Commission lists the term of the current 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly as running from March 14, 2022, to March 13, 2027.

The present government was formed after President's Rule in the State was revoked in February 2026. Khemchand Singh subsequently took oath as Chief Minister on February 4, 2026, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho and ministers Govindas Konthoujam Singh and Khuraijam Loken Singh.

The government therefore has limited time before the next Assembly election to address security, rehabilitation and governance issues.

Recent Naga-Related Tensions

Naga-related tensions have emerged as another significant security and political issue.

The United Naga Council's economic blockade, which had affected highways and the movement of goods, was temporarily suspended following talks with the Centre and the Manipur government on September 26. The discussions followed demands linked to the killing of six Naga men and other security concerns.

At the same time, fresh attacks against Naga civilians in September have kept tensions high. The recent incidents underline the continuing difficulties faced by the administration in maintaining security across the State.

Cabinet Expansion May Be Considered Later

For now, the Manipur government is continuing with a five-member Council of Ministers rather than immediately filling additional ministerial positions.

The Economic Times reported that the possibility of expanding the Cabinet could be considered after the October Durga Puja celebrations, depending on the prevailing situation and political consultations.

The decision to delay expansion comes at a time when the government is dealing with continuing violence, displacement, community tensions and demands for improved security. With the Assembly's term ending in March 2027, these issues are likely to remain important parts of Manipur's political landscape.

Expert View

The current position is that the Manipur government is functioning with five members in its Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, against a sanctioned strength of 12. The reported decision to defer further expansion reflects the government's immediate focus on security and political stability, while any expansion is expected to be considered after the October Durga Puja period.