Poonam Nath

Manipur: Major administrative reshuffle since ethnic violence incident; 60 bureaucrats and 10 police officers transferred

Digital Desk: A major administrative reshuffle in Manipur, the state government has transferred 60 bureaucrats and 10 police officers. This marks the most extensive restructuring of officials since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. The move is seen as an effort to stabilize the administration amid ongoing tensions in the state. 

Among the key bureaucratic changes, Paulunthang Vaiphei, who was serving as the Director General of the State Academy of Training, has now been appointed as Additional Chief Secretary.

Anurag Bajpai, previously the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, has been reassigned as Additional Chief Secretary for Textiles, Commerce, and Industries.

Meanwhile, Arun Kumar Sinha, who held the position of Principal Secretary for Textiles, Commerce, and Industries, has been transferred to oversee Agriculture, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change.

In another notable change, Devesh Deval will now focus solely on the Tourism Department, relinquishing his additional responsibility as the Resident Commissioner of Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.

The police department has also undergone significant changes. Rakesh Balwal, who served as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Thoubal, has been appointed as the new SP of Imphal East.

Anupam, previously the SP of Senapati, has been transferred to the Home Department as Joint Secretary. Similarly, Shivanand Surve, the former SP of Chandel, will now take charge as the SP of Senapati.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Mohd Zaib Zakir, who was serving as the SP of Churachandpur, has been reassigned as the senior staff officer to the Director General of Police.

This large-scale reshuffle comes at a time when Manipur continues to experience ethnic tensions between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribes in the hill regions.

The conflict has resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of nearly 60,000 people. The state government’s decision to reorganize the administration is likely aimed at improving governance and restoring stability in the troubled state.