Imphal: Newly appointed Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh, a 1996-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, has called for enhanced coordination among security and law-enforcement agencies as the Centre deployed two battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force’s elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) in the conflict-affected state.
The 1996-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre assumed charge as Manipur’s top police officer on June 1 and immediately underscored the importance of cooperation, neutrality and professional policing at a time when the state continues to grapple with tensions, highway blockades and concerns related to missing persons following recent violence.
Mukesh Singh Takes Charge as Manipur DGP
Soon after assuming office, Mukesh Singh addressed senior police officials and outlined his priorities for maintaining law and order in the state.
The newly appointed DGP emphasized that effective collaboration among various security agencies would be essential for restoring normalcy and strengthening public confidence.
Calling for a unified approach, Singh stressed that state police, central armed police forces and other sister agencies must work together to ensure peace and security across Manipur.
“Effective coordination, impartiality and professionalism will be crucial in maintaining law and order and serving the people,” Singh said while addressing senior officers.
Focus on Public Confidence and Peace
The new police chief highlighted the importance of building trust among communities and ensuring that law-enforcement agencies function with complete neutrality.
His remarks come at a sensitive time when various parts of Manipur continue to experience sporadic tensions and security challenges linked to ethnic and community-related issues.
Officials believe that strengthening coordination among security forces will be critical to addressing emerging challenges and ensuring the smooth movement of people and essential supplies.
Centre Deploys Two CoBRA Battalions
Coinciding with Singh’s assumption of office, the Centre has deployed two battalions of the CRPF’s elite CoBRA force in Manipur.
The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is a specialised unit trained in jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations and high-risk security missions.
The deployment reflects the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening security arrangements in the state amid ongoing concerns regarding law and order.
Security officials expect the specialised force to support ongoing operations in sensitive and difficult terrain areas.
Highway Blockades Continue to Impact Essential Supplies
Despite efforts to restore normalcy, the movement of trucks and essential commodities remained affected along key national highways in the state.
Kuki and Naga groups have continued bandh and economic blockade measures in connection with the issue of missing persons linked to recent violence.
The disruptions have impacted transportation and supply chains, creating additional challenges for authorities attempting to maintain normal public life.
May 13 Ambush Deepened Community Tensions
The latest tensions are rooted in the May 13 ambush in which three church leaders belonging to the Thadou tribe were killed.
The incident triggered fresh concerns and intensified existing tensions between Kuki and Naga communities.
Following the killings, both communities exchanged allegations regarding abduction and illegal detention, further complicating the security situation.
The developments prompted heightened vigilance by security agencies and increased efforts to prevent escalation.
Missing Persons Issue Remains Sensitive
According to the Manipur Home Department, more than 38 individuals were initially reported missing in the aftermath of the violence.
Authorities later stated that 32 of those reported missing had returned.
However, the issue continues to remain highly sensitive and has become one of the key factors driving protests, blockades and community concerns.
Security agencies and the administration continue efforts to verify reports and address public anxieties related to the missing persons cases.
Experienced Officer Takes Over at Crucial Time
Mukesh Singh brings extensive policing experience to his new assignment in Manipur.
Before being posted to the state, he served as the Director General of Police of Ladakh from January 2026.
Mr Singh has held several important policing and administrative assignments during his career.
His appointment comes at a crucial juncture as Manipur continues to navigate complex law-and-order challenges and efforts to restore peace and stability.
Coordination Key to Future Security Strategy
With the deployment of elite CoBRA battalions and a renewed emphasis on inter-agency cooperation, security authorities are expected to focus on strengthening operational coordination and improving response mechanisms.
The new DGP’s call for professionalism, impartiality and close cooperation among all security agencies reflects the broader strategy of restoring public confidence while addressing security concerns across the state.
As Manipur continues to deal with tensions arising from recent incidents, the effectiveness of coordinated security operations and community outreach efforts will remain central to the state’s peace and stability efforts in the coming months.
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