Quick Glance
- Mukesh Singh appointed as new DGP of Manipur for a three-year tenure
- Outgoing police chief Rajiv Singh elevated as Secretary (Security) in Cabinet Secretariat
- CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh appeals against shutdowns and blockades
- Government pushes peace talks and infrastructure development in Imphal West and Jiribam
Agartala/Imphal: Manipur is preparing for a major policing and administrative transition as senior IPS officer Mukesh Singh has been appointed the state’s next DGP, replacing Rajiv Singh. The reshuffle comes amid renewed efforts by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to restore peace, rebuild inter-community trust, and accelerate development projects across violence-hit regions.
Manipur Police Leadership Changes at Crucial Time
The Centre has approved a major change in Manipur’s police leadership at a sensitive political and security juncture. Senior IPS officer Mukesh Singh will take over as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur. He replaces Rajiv Singh, who has been appointed Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet cleared Mukesh Singh’s transfer from Ladakh to Manipur on inter-cadre deputation for three years. The Department of Personnel and Training issued the formal order after receiving recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The leadership transition assumes significance because Manipur continues to recover from prolonged ethnic unrest that began in May 2023.
Who is Mukesh Singh?
Mukesh Singh belongs to the AGMUT cadre of the Indian Police Service. He joined the IPS in 1996. He also holds a B.Tech degree in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi.
Earlier this year, he assumed charge as the DGP of Ladakh. Before that, he handled several critical assignments in Jammu and Kashmir. He served in districts like Pulwama, Poonch, Reasi, and Jammu during periods marked by militancy and insurgency operations.
Security experts believe his experience in conflict-prone areas may help Manipur’s ongoing peace and law-and-order efforts.
Rajiv Singh Elevated to Key Central Security Post
Outgoing DGP Rajiv Singh has now been appointed Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat. He is a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Tripura cadre.
Rajiv Singh took charge as Manipur’s police chief on June 1, 2023, shortly after ethnic clashes erupted across the state. Before his Manipur posting, he served as Additional Director General of Police in Tripura. Later, he worked as Inspector General (Operations) at CRPF headquarters in New Delhi.
His tenure in Manipur coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in the state’s history.
Ethnic Violence Deeply Impacted Manipur
The violence began on May 3, 2023, after a Tribal Solidarity March organised in hill districts opposed the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The unrest spread rapidly across hill and valley districts. Hundreds of homes and public properties suffered damage. Thousands of families fled their villages.
According to official estimates, at least 260 people lost their lives during the violence.
Key Impact of Manipur Violence
| Incident/Development | Details |
|---|---|
| Start of violence | May 3, 2023 |
| Trigger | Tribal Solidarity March |
| Death toll | At least 260 |
| President’s Rule imposed | February 13, 2025 |
| President’s Rule revoked | February 4, 2026 |
| Current government | BJP-led government under Yumnam Khemchand Singh |
The prolonged instability also led to President’s Rule in Manipur for nearly a year. The Central rule ended earlier this year before the formation of the BJP-led government.
CM Appeals for Peace, Dialogue and Stability
Amid the administrative reshuffle, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed to people not to organise shutdowns, blockades, or bandhs.
Speaking during the inauguration of three bridges in Imphal West district, the Chief Minister said such protests mainly hurt poor families, labourers, and daily wage earners.
He urged organisations and civil society groups to settle disputes through dialogue instead of confrontation.
The Chief Minister also stressed that rebuilding trust among communities remains one of his top priorities.
He said the government wants people from all communities to travel freely and safely in each other’s areas without fear.
Jiribam Peace Efforts Showing Positive Signs
The Chief Minister referred to his recent visits to Jiribam district. He said members of Hmar, Kuki, Paite, and Meitei communities participated in joint discussions aimed at restoring normalcy.
According to Singh, many displaced families have gradually started returning to their villages. He added that several Hmar and Kuki villages are located close to Meitei settlements. Therefore, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence remain essential.
However, he admitted that security challenges continue.
The Chief Minister recalled the April 7 bomb blast at Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district that killed two children. He described the incident as tragic for humanity.
Government Announces Infrastructure Push
The Manipur government also announced several infrastructure initiatives during the public programmes.
At Akham village, the Chief Minister assured residents that a new community hall would be built soon. He also confirmed plans for a dam project after technical feasibility assessments by the Minor Irrigation Department.
At Maklang, Singh announced that the road connecting Patsoi Lamkhai and Manipur Olympian Park at Sangaithel would be completed before the next Assembly elections.
The government is also preparing a Detailed Project Report for a market shed for women vendors.
Major Projects Inaugurated
| Project | Location | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| RCC Bridge over Nambul River | Akham Mayai Leikai | Rs 3 crore |
| Pucca Bridge over Maklang River | Maklang | Around Rs 2 crore |
| Bridge over Merakhong Stream | Salam Mamang Leikai | Around Rs 2 crore |
The Chief Minister also praised the women vendors of Ima Keithel, popularly known as Ema Market. He said the all-women market symbolises the resilience and determination of Manipuri society.
Why the New DGP Appointment Matters
The appointment of Mukesh Singh comes at a time when Manipur is attempting to move beyond violence and political instability.
Security agencies continue operations to maintain law and order. Simultaneously, the state government is trying to rebuild public confidence through reconciliation efforts and infrastructure development.
The coming months will likely determine whether the new policing strategy and peace initiatives can bring lasting stability to the conflict-affected state.
People Also Ask
Who is the new DGP of Manipur?
Mukesh Singh, a 1996-batch IPS officer from the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed the new DGP of Manipur.
Why was President’s Rule imposed in Manipur?
President’s Rule was imposed due to prolonged ethnic violence and instability that disrupted governance and public order.
What did CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh appeal for?
The Chief Minister appealed against bandhs and blockades and urged communities to resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful discussions. (With IANS Input)