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Hours after appointing retired IPS officer and former Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief Kuldiep Singh as its security advisor, the Manipur government has now appointed Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Ashutosh Sinha as the overall operational commander, to control the situation and bring normalcy in the state. ADGP Sinha will report to Singh and has been appointed after taking all power from Manipur DGP P Doungel.
As the situation in violence-hit Manipur worsened, sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would not go to Karnataka on Friday and will monitor the security situation in the state from Delhi. On Thursday, Shah held two video conference meetings and spoke with the chief ministers of Manipur and its neighbouring states. They advised Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh and the state government has started acting on their suggestions, a source said. Shah also assured that the Centre would provide all possible help to maintain peace, as well as more security forces if required.
“In view of the prevailing law and order situation following the unwanted incidents occurred after the organisation of the Tribal Solidarity March, 2023 held on May 3, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to designate Ashutosh Sinha, IPS, ADGP (Intelligence), Manipur, as the overall Operational Commander to control and bring normalcy in the State. He will work under the guidance and supervision of Kuldip Singh, Advisor (Security), government of Manipur. The district magistrates concerned will detail the required Executive/Special Magistrates as and when required and requisitioned,” said T Ranjit Singh, commissioner (home), Manipur in his order, issued on May 4.
In an internal communication, Deputy Inspector General (OPS) Manipur, informed Inspector Generals of Rapid Action Force (RAF)) and Communication that, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, it has been decided by the competent authority that a DIG each of RAF Sector and Communication will be placed at Imphal with immediate effect.”
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs also asked for 12 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including six companies of the RAF, to be airlifted to Manipur. Apart from the CAPFs, the Army and Assam Rifles are already on the ground.
