Imphal, Feb. 5 -- Former Manipur speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday took oath as the chief minister of the strife-torn state, becoming the first person to helm the northeastern province since President's Rule was clamped in 2025 after two years of ethnic violence. Along with Singh, two deputy chief ministers from the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities also took oath in a low-key ceremony at the Lok Bhavan in Imphal. Hours before the event, President's Rule was withdrawn after almost 12 months from the state where nearly 260 people have died and another 60,000 displaced in ethnic clashes since 2023. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 62-year-old two-time legislator who hails from the dominant Meitei community and is also a Taekwondo enthusiast. Talking to reporters soon after taking oath, Singh said Manipur comprises 36 communities and that the state was taken care of for long by these communities."Our hope now is for all to help in bringing a peaceful atmosphere," he said. "This is a very happy and important day for us... There is an atmosphere of great joy at the party. We have a lot of work to do. We need to bring peace to Manipur and work for development and peace in every corner of the state," he added. "The democratic process, where the people of Manipur voted for the government they wanted, was temporarily halted due to problems in our state, considering the law and order situation. But now we are very happy that our government is back." Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the developments. "Congratulations to Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh Ji on taking oath as the chief minister of Manipur. I would like to congratulate Smt. Nemcha Kipgen Ji and Shri Losii Dikho Ji on taking oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state and Shri Konthoujam Govindas Singh Ji as well as Shri Khuraijam Loken Singh Ji on being sworn in as Ministers in the Manipur government. I'm confident they will work diligently towards furthering development and prosperity for my sisters and brothers of Manipur," he posted on X. The ceremony was attended by lawmakers from across the Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities. The government enjoys the support of 51 legislators - including six from National People's Party, five from Naga People's Front , one from Janata Dal-United, and two Independents. The Naga lawmaker from Naga People's Front (NPF), Losi Dikho, took oath as deputy chief minister. "We hope to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the state. Our first task is to reach out to them. Inclusiveness is the new mantra of the government," he said. Asked whether action will be taken against armed groups that issued threats to Kuki legislators participating in government formation, Dikho replied, "Why not." Kuki-Zo lawmaker, Nemcha Kipgen, also took oath as deputy chief minister through video conferencing from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. BJP legislator K Govindas and National Peoples Party (NPP) legislator K Loken, both Meiteis, also took oath as cabinet ministers. The ceremony was attended by senior politicians, including former chief ministers N Biren, Singh, O Ibobi Singh and RK Radhabinod, high-ranking police officers, and bureaucrats. The first cabinet meeting of the newly formed Manipur government was held under Singh's leadership at the chief minister's bungalow on Wednesday. The meeting was held about an hour after Singh was sworn in as CM. Chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel attended the meeting along with deputy chief minister L Dikho and newly sworn-in ministers Govindas and Loken....