Following the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, the state administration has undergone a major reshuffle in its police leadership. On February 28, 2025, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla ordered the transfer and promotion of nine senior police officers, including four Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and five Manipur Police Service (MPS) officers.
This major restructuring aims to improve law enforcement, enhance administrative efficiency, and strengthen governance as the state grapples with complex security challenges. The transfers have been made to key districts and departments to ensure better coordination, faster response times, and improved public safety.
Strategic Transfers to Key Positions
The reshuffle has placed experienced officers in crucial roles across the state. Some of the most major changes include:
- Dharmendra Kumar, IPS – Promoted to Superintendent of Police (SP), Senapati District, from his previous role as Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Lamlai Police Station. Senapati is a critical district, often facing law and order challenges due to its proximity to sensitive areas. Kumar’s leadership is expected to bring stability and reinforce security operations.
- Mrs. Priyadarshini Laishram, MPS – Transferred from SP of Immigrant to SP of Kakching District. Kakching is a rapidly developing district that requires strong administrative oversight. Her appointment is aimed at ensuring effective policing and enhancing public safety.
- Sheikh Mohammed Zaib Zakir, IPS – Moved from Senior SO to the Director General of Police (DGP) to take over as SP of Jiribam District. Jiribam, being a border district, has faced security concerns in the past. Zakir’s extensive experience in handling law and order situations will be instrumental in maintaining stability in the region.
Apart from these key appointments, other officers have also been assigned to critical positions across different districts and police units. The Governor’s office has stated that these transfers were made in the public interest to ensure better governance, improved policing, and a proactive approach to security management.
The Need for Reshuffling Amid President’s Rule
Manipur has been facing political and security instability for several months, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule. Ethnic conflicts, insurgency-related incidents, and public unrest have posed significant challenges to governance.
The strategic reshuffle in the police department is aimed at:
- Enhancing Law and Order Management – By placing experienced officers in high-priority districts, the government aims to improve policing and crisis management.
- Boosting Public Confidence – A well-organized and efficiently led police force will help rebuild trust among citizens and ensure fair enforcement of laws.
- Strengthening Coordination Between Police and Administration – The restructuring will enable better coordination between different law enforcement agencies and government departments, ensuring a more synchronized approach to handling security concerns.
- Faster Response to Security Threats – With trained and capable officers leading various districts, the response time for tackling criminal activities, insurgency, and civil disturbances is expected to improve significantly.
Impact on Governance and Security
This reshuffle is expected to have a far-reaching impact on governance and public security in Manipur. The reallocation of experienced officers to high-priority areas is likely to bring stability and ensure the efficient functioning of law enforcement agencies.
Some of the anticipated benefits include:
- Stronger Law Enforcement – The newly appointed officers will focus on curbing insurgency, crime control, and maintaining public order.
- Increased Vigilance in Sensitive Areas – Border districts and regions prone to ethnic conflicts will have better policing strategies and quicker response mechanisms.
- Improved Administrative Efficiency – With a refreshed leadership structure, district police units will operate with enhanced coordination, ensuring seamless communication and policy implementation.
- Boost to Public Safety Measures – The reshuffle will enable better handling of emergencies, protests, and security threats, providing citizens with a safer environment.
Challenges Ahead
While the reshuffle marks a positive step towards strengthening governance, several challenges remain:
- Implementation of Reforms – The officers will need to quickly adapt to their new roles and ensure the effective execution of security and administrative reforms.
- Addressing Insurgency and Civil Unrest – Manipur has a history of insurgency-related challenges and ethnic tensions. The reshuffle alone is not enough; officers will need support from the central government, intelligence agencies, and local communities to address these issues effectively.
- Public Cooperation – Restoring faith in law enforcement requires active engagement with local communities to foster trust and cooperation between the police and citizens.
The reshuffle of IPS and MPS officers in Manipur under President’s Rule is a major step toward improving governance, law enforcement, and administrative efficiency. By strategically appointing experienced officers in key positions, the state administration aims to restore stability and ensure a safer environment for its citizens.
As the newly appointed officers take charge, their ability to implement security measures, coordinate with government agencies, and address the concerns of the public will play a crucial role in shaping Manipur’s future. While challenges remain, this proactive restructuring is a necessary move towards ensuring peace and stability in the state.
