Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Imphal: Senior IPS officer Rajiv Singh has officially taken charge as Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat. His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, places him in a critical role overseeing the security wing of the Cabinet Secretariat and the Special Protection Group. This group is responsible for the protection of the Prime Minister and eligible family members. Singh succeeds Parag Jain, who held the position on an additional basis since November 2025.
Singh moves to his new central role following a challenging three-year tenure as the head of the Manipur Police. He arrived in the state on June 1, 2023, just weeks after ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities began. During this period, the state police force suffered from severe internal fractures, with approximately 1,200 officers absent from their posts as staff regrouped along ethnic lines.
To stabilize the force, Singh implemented targeted administrative reforms. He tracked down over 1,150 absent personnel and permitted them to report for duty from locations they considered safe. He also conducted a virtual passing-out parade for 304 new recruits to ensure they could be deployed to their respective regions despite the ongoing instability. Under his leadership, the department focused on dismantling militant bunkers, securing vulnerable posts, and protecting farmers in conflict zones.
The violence in Manipur resulted in more than 260 deaths and widespread displacement. Throughout his time navigating the polarized environment, Singh garnered support from across the political spectrum. Reflecting on the necessity of his operational changes, the report noted that Singh "introduced several measures, including tracing more than 1,150 absent personnel and allowing them to resume duties from locations where they felt secure."
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