Manipur gets new police chief to curb violence in state

Rajiv Singh, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Tripura cadre, has been named the new Director General of Police (DGP) for the northeastern state of Manipur amid simmering violence in the state that has claimed more than 80 lives so far.

The Centre dispatched Mr Singh, who had previously served as the CRPF’s Inspector General, on an inter-cadre assignment to Manipur on May 29. P Doungel, the current DGP, has been transferred to the Home Department.

By appointing a non-tribal, non-Meitei police chief, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is attempting to balance local dynamics in an effort to avoid any potential issues.

Kuldiep Singh, a former CRPF head, was appointed as the Manipur government’s security adviser not long after the state’s violence erupted on May 3.

This modification follows the announcement of a judicial investigation into the riots and the creation of a peace commission to end the continuing situation by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a press conference. Mr Shah stressed discussion as the solution to putting an end to the violence.

The peace committee would report to the governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey, Mr Shah said. “A judicial probe headed by a retired high court chief justice will soon be announced,” he added. It will have representatives from all political parties, social organisations, and the Kuki and Meitei people.