IMPHAL/NEW DELHI: The Manipur government has appointed senior IPS officer Mukesh Singh (IPS: 1996: AGMUT) as the new Director General of Police (DGP) and Head of the Manipur Police Force. He assumed charge on June 1, 2026, succeeding Rajiv Singh, who has been appointed Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat at the Centre.
The appointment comes at a critical juncture as Manipur continues to grapple with complex law-and-order and security challenges. The Centre’s decision to bring in a seasoned officer with extensive experience in counter-terrorism, insurgency management and national security reflects its focus on strengthening the state’s security architecture.
Appointment Follows ACC Approval
The appointment follows the approval granted by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on May 23, 2026, for Mukesh Singh’s transfer from the AGMUT cadre to the Manipur cadre on inter-cadre deputation for a period of three years.
At the time of the transfer, IPS Singh was serving as the Director General of Police of Ladakh. His movement to Manipur had immediately sparked speculation that he was being considered for the state’s top police post.
The state government formally appointed him as DGP and Head of Police Force with effect from June 1, 2026.
Why Mukesh Singh Was Chosen
Mr Singh is widely regarded as one of the country’s most experienced counter-insurgency and anti-terror officers.
His long service in conflict-prone regions, extensive work with national security agencies and proven record in handling sensitive law-and-order situations made him a natural choice for Manipur, where security management remains one of the government’s top priorities.
Officials believe his operational expertise, intelligence background and experience in terrorism-related investigations will be valuable in addressing the state’s evolving security challenges.
Educational Background
IPS Singh is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, from where he earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Civil Engineering.
Originally hailing from Bihar, he joined the Indian Police Service in 1996 and was allotted the AGMUT cadre.
Extensive Experience in Jammu & Kashmir
A significant part of Singh’s early policing career was spent in the then undivided Jammu and Kashmir, one of India’s most sensitive security theatres.
He served as:
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
in several terrorism-affected districts, including:
- Pulwama
- Poonch
- Reasi
- Jammu
These assignments provided him with extensive field experience in counter-insurgency operations and intelligence-based policing.
Founding Member of the National Investigation Agency
One of the most notable chapters of IPS Singh’s career was his association with the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
He was part of the core team that helped establish the NIA after its creation as India’s premier anti-terror investigation agency.
During his tenure with the NIA, he served in multiple capacities, including:
- Superintendent of Police
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Inspector General (IG)
His work involved handling complex terrorism-related investigations and strengthening institutional capabilities within the agency.
Leadership Roles in ITBP
Mr Singh also served on central deputation with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), where he held senior leadership positions.
He rose through the ranks to become:
- Inspector General (IG)
- Additional Director General (ADG)
His tenure with the ITBP further expanded his experience in border security management and operational leadership.
Served as DGP of Ladakh
Before being moved to Manipur, Mukesh Singh served as the Director General of Police of Ladakh.
His tenure in the Union Territory involved overseeing policing and security management in one of India’s strategically significant border regions.
Decorated Officer with Gallantry Honours
Throughout his career, IPS Singh has received several prestigious honours for distinguished and courageous service.
His awards include:
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2022)
- Police Medal for Gallantry (2003)
- Police Medal for Gallantry (2005)
These recognitions reflect his contribution to policing, counter-terrorism operations and national security.
Author and Security Scholar
Apart from his operational accomplishments, IPS Singh has also contributed to policing literature.
He has co-authored the book “Police Operations” and published research papers focusing on anti-terror operations, police tactics and legal aspects of encounter investigations.
His writings are widely regarded within policing and security circles.
Senior IPS Officers Reshuffled
Alongside the appointment of the new DGP, the Manipur government announced a reshuffle of senior IPS officers.
Ashutosh Kumar Sinha
Ashutosh Kumar Sinha (IPS: 1993: Manipur cadre) has been transferred and posted as:
- Chairman and Managing Director, MANIDCO
- Additional charge of Director of Inquiry, Manipur Lokayukta
Lupheng Kailun
Lupheng Kailun (IPS: 1994: Manipur cadre), who was serving as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), has been posted as:
- Managing Director, MPHC Ltd.
in his existing grade.
Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo
Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo (IPS: 1999: Manipur cadre) has been appointed:
- Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
with charge of:
- Armed Police
- Modernisation
- Intelligence
- Law and Order
A Crucial Assignment Ahead
Mukesh Singh assumes charge at a time when Manipur continues to face significant security and social challenges.
His appointment signals the Centre’s preference for experienced security professionals with strong operational credentials to lead policing in sensitive regions.
With extensive experience spanning Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency, the ITBP and Ladakh Police, Singh now faces one of the most demanding assignments of his career as he takes charge of the Manipur Police force.
