Brief profile of the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
Born on March 1, 1963 at Singjamei Yumnam Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur. Father’s name: Late Yumnam Kalachand Singh, Mother’s name: Late Gambhini Devi.
Spouse’s name: Joybala Devi. Have a son and a daughter, Mr Kelvin Yumnam and Ms Katherine Yumnam.
Senior BJP leader and sitting MLA from Singjamei Assembly Constituency, Imphal West. Has been representing Singjamei constituency for two consecutive term since 2017.
Appointed Cabinet Minister in the BJP ministry following the 2022 Manipur Legislative Assembly election.
Served as minister from March 20, 2022 until the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur in February 13, 2025.
During his ministerial tenure, held key portfolios including Municipal Administration & Housing Development (MAHUD), Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, and Education.
Served as Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022.
Known within the BJP as a grassroots organiser with strong organisational credentials. A Swayamsevak of RSS since 2013.
Before entering into active politics, engaged in business; also a long-time Taekwondo martial art practitioner, having begun training in his youth.
Recently awarded the prestigious 5th-Dan Black Belt in traditional Taekwondo by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation, Seoul, South Korea, an advanced rank signifying decades of discipline and mastery. First in India to obtain 5th Dan in traditional taekwondo martial art style.
Khemchand, who started his career in Taekwondo at the age of 19 years, has played a pivotal role in spreading the martial art form in India. He was the founder President of the All Assam Taekwondo Association in 1982. He was also the pioneer in the promotion of Taekwondo martial art in Manipur. He had earlier served as the Vice President of the Taekwondo Federation of India and helped in spreading this Olympic sport in India.
For the first time since ethnic violence engulfed Manipur in May 2023, Khemchand was the first and only Meitei BJP MLA on December 8, 2025 travelled to two Kuki villages in hill districts in a confidence building measure and give healing touch. Traveling to Litan, a Kuki hamlet in Ukhrul district, bordering Myanmar, he interacted with Kuki internally displaced persons (IDP) and inquired about their life and hardship faced in the past two and half years.
Considered a non-polarising figure, acceptable across internal party factions during a period of political transition. Seen as a steady administrative choice amid political uncertainty in Manipur. Brings together organisation, discipline, and low-key authority, rather than mass rhetoric.
