In a pivotal move to tackle ongoing security issues in Manipur, the central government has sanctioned the inter-cadre deputation of Mukesh Singh, the current Director General of Police (DGP) of Ladakh, to the state of Manipur. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on May 21, 2026, and Singh is expected to take over as the new police chief shortly. This change comes in the wake of the appointment of the former DGP of Manipur, Rajiv Singh, to a significant position in the Cabinet Secretariat as Secretary (Security).
Rajiv Singh, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Tripura cadre, had been leading the police force in Manipur since June 1, 2023, during a notably tumultuous period marked by ethnic violence in the region. His recent promotion reflects his experience in counter-insurgency operations.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an official order allowing Singh’s transfer as a “special case in public interest,” waiving standard inter-cadre norms and the required cooling-off period usually necessary after a central deputation. The proposal for this change emerged from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mukesh Singh, who was born in Bokaro Steel City in 1971, is an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi alumnus with a degree in Civil Engineering. He entered the Indian Police Service in 1996 and has a diverse range of experience in counter-terrorism and internal security. His previous roles include Superintendent of Police in various terrorism-affected districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Inspector General of Police for the Jammu Range, and positions within the National Investigation Agency (NIA). His recent role as DGP in Ladakh highlighted his ability to manage security in high-stakes areas.
Singh’s appointment is viewed as particularly pertinent given the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur. Since May 2023, the state has experienced violent clashes primarily between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups, resulting in a significant number of casualties and displacements. Approximately 258 to 260 fatalities have been reported, with tens of thousands displaced and living in relief camps, amid continued violence.
Rajiv Singh’s time as DGP was marked by challenges stemming from these ethnic conflicts, and his transfer to a senior role in the Cabinet Secretariat is perceived to be a recognition of his capabilities developed through handling similar issues in Tripura.
The swift approval of Mukesh Singh’s transfer indicates the Centre’s urgency in restoring peace and reinforcing police leadership in Manipur, especially following the end of President’s Rule in the state in February 2026. His specialized background in counter-terrorism is expected to significantly influence the state’s security landscape.
As Singh prepares to assume his responsibilities in Manipur, there is widespread anticipation about the changes he may implement to restore law and order. His transition from the strategically important Ladakh to the northeastern state underlines the government’s strategy of deploying seasoned officers to tackle complex security challenges. Further official statements regarding Singh’s induction and any related administrative actions are expected soon from both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the government of Manipur.
