Centre's Significant Decision In Response To Unrest in Manipur: Police Chief Replaced

Manipur Violence: Amidst escalating violence in Manipur, resulting in the loss of at least 80 lives, a significant reorganization of the police leadership has taken place.

Rajiv Singh, an accomplished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Tripura cadre, has been designated as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for the northeastern state.

Following his tenure as the Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Mr. Singh was recently assigned to Manipur through an inter-cadre deputation from the Centre on May 29th.

Consequently, the existing Director General of Police (DGP), P Doungel, has been reassigned to the Home Department.

The nomination is viewed as a strategic move by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to maintain equilibrium in the local dynamics.

By appointing a police commander who does not belong to the tribal or Meitei community, the MHA aims to address and alleviate any possible concerns.

Union Home Minister’s declaration of a judicial investigation 

Soon after the state's unrest erupted on May 3, the federal government recruited former CRPF commander Kuldeep Singh as a security consultant to the Manipur government.

Following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's declaration of a judicial investigation into the clashes and the formation of a peace committee to address the persistent crisis, this alteration has been implemented.

Mr. Shah stressed the importance of discussion in ending the violence during a press conference.

Mr. Shah stated that the imminent announcement of a judicial inquiry, led by a retired chief justice of the high court, is underway. He further mentioned that the peace committee would be accountable to Manipur's governor, Anusuiya Uikey.

Representatives from all political parties, the Kuki and Meitei groups, and social organizations will be present.

Additionally, the Home Minister unveiled plans for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into five specific criminal conspiracies and one overarching conspiracy that lies at the core of the turmoil in Manipur.

Violence Erupts in Manipur Since May 3rd

He expressed optimism that the situation would soon return to normal, describing the violence as a transient phase fueled by misunderstandings.

The onset of ethnic violence in Manipur originated from a 'Tribal Solidarity March' that took place in the hill districts on May 3. 

The march was organized to voice opposition against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which would result in the distribution of government benefits among different groups.

The nomination is viewed as a strategic move by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to maintain equilibrium in the local dynamics.

After a period of relative peace, the state saw a rise in fighting and firing between militants and security personnel on Sunday.