Manipur violence: CRPF IG Rajiv Singh sent to conflict-stricken state, likely to get key post

“The undersigned is directed to refer to the subject cited above and to convey the approval of Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for Inter-cadre deputation of Shri Rajiv Singh, IPS (TR:93), presently working as IG, CRPF, from Tripura cadre to Manipur cadre for a period of three years from the date of joining, in relaxation of the policy as a special case in public interest,” the union home ministry order read.

The order also stated that Singh be relieved immediately to enable him to take up his new assignment.

The transfer comes at a time Manipur is seeing ethnic conflict since violence broke out in the state on May 3, the toll of which has climbed to 80. The state witnessed a sudden spurt in clashes and firing between militants and security forces on Sunday, after a relative lull for over a fortnight.

Ethnic violence first broke out in Manipur after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations.

Sources told PTI that Singh is likely to be given a key responsibility for handling the prevailing situation in Manipur.

Earlier this month, the Centre appointed former chief of the CRPF Kuldiep Singh as a security adviser to the Manipur government.

With inputs from PTI