Manipur police chief replaced just as violence simmers in the state

New Delhi: Rajiv Singh has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for Manipur, days after violence ripped through most of the state claiming 80 lives when two tribal groups vented their fury.

The decision comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah offered a judicial probe into the clashes and a peace committee to ventilate the tension in the state.

Singh, previously Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will replace DGP, P Doungel who has been transferred to the Home Department.

The Centre has sent Singh to Manipur on an inter-cadre deputation on May 29.

The reshuffle in top police rank is widely seen to be a move to bring in a non-tribal, non-Meitei police chief, thus avoiding any controversy.

Following violence on May 3, the Centre made former CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh as the security adviser to the state government.

Alongside announcing a judicial probe, Amit Shah told a press meet that dialogue is key to end violence.

Shah also stated that a peace committee under the governor will include representatives from Kuki and Meitei communities and political parties.

The Home Minister also said that Central Bureau of Investigation will probe five criminal conspiracies and one general conspiracy behind the violence.

Manipur witnessed worst ethnic violence in years in India after tribal outfits organized a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ on May 3 to protest against Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The semblance calm over a fortnight after the violence was again tampered on Sunday following clashes and firing between insurgents.