Raj Kumar Dorendra Singh

Birth and Family Background: Born on September 30, 1934, in Imphal, Manipur, into a prominent political family. He was the son of R. K. Tombisana Singh, a notable figure in Manipur’s pre-statehood politics, which influenced his early exposure to public service and regional issues.

Educational Qualifications: He pursued higher education with a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree followed by a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), equipping him with a strong academic foundation in humanities and legal studies before entering politics.

Early Political Affiliation: Initially aligned with the Manipur Socialist Party, reflecting the socialist currents in post-Independence India, before transitioning to mainstream national parties amid Manipur’s evolving political landscape.

Entry into Legislative Assembly: Elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) for the first time in 1961 as a Manipur Socialist Party candidate, serving until 1965 and gaining experience in the nascent state assembly formed after Manipur’s territorial council phase.

Speaker of the Assembly: Prior to his chief ministerial roles, he served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, overseeing legislative proceedings during a period of state-building and ethnic negotiations in the 1970s.

First Term as Chief Minister (1974–1977): Appointed as Manipur’s Chief Minister on December 6, 1974, succeeding Yangmasho Shaiza of the Manipur Hills Union, representing the Manipur Peoples Party. His tenure focused on administrative stabilization until President’s Rule was imposed on May 16, 1977.

Second Term as Chief Minister (1980): Returned as Chief Minister on January 14, 1980, following the Indian National Congress’s victory in the state elections, but his term was brief, lasting until November 27, 1980, when he was succeeded by Rishang Keishing amid internal party dynamics.

Rajya Sabha Membership: Elected to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Indian Parliament) from Manipur on September 20, 1988, as an Indian National Congress member, serving until March 12, 1990, where he contributed to national debates on Northeast development.

Third Term as Chief Minister (1992–1993): Sworn in again on April 8, 1992, for a short tenure ending April 11, 1993, navigating coalition politics and focusing on infrastructure amid rising insurgent challenges in the state.

Role in Regional Diplomacy: In 1980, as Chief Minister, he played a key diplomatic role in mediating the Assam Agitation, persuading student leaders to pause their protests through secretive negotiations, earning recognition as a “well-meaning mediator” in interstate conflicts.

Death and Legacy: Passed away on March 30, 2018, at age 83 in Imphal’s Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital after a brief illness. Remembered as a veteran of Manipur politics who served four chief ministerial terms and symbolized stability during turbulent ethnic and national shifts; his funeral drew tributes from across the political spectrum.