In response to the continuing ethnic unrest in Manipur, the state government has implemented a major reshuffle affecting 70 key officials, including senior IAS, IPS, and Manipur Civil Service officers. The move, announced by Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh on Wednesday, aims to address the administrative challenges posed by the ongoing crisis.

The reshuffle includes transfers of 10 IPS and Manipur police service officers, along with the reassignment of 60 bureaucrats, including senior IAS officers. Among the significant changes, Senior IAS officer Paulunthang Vaiphei has been appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary, while IPS officer Rakesh Balwal has been moved to Imphal East district as the Superintendent of Police.

The reshuffle follows 21 months of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has resulted in over 250 deaths, more than 1,000 injuries, and the displacement of over 60,000 people. The violence began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was held in protest of the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

This administrative change also comes after the appointment of Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the new Governor of Manipur on January 3, and the appointment of Prashant Kumar Singh as Chief Secretary on January 15. The government hopes the reshuffle will help stabilize the administration and improve security in the state amid ongoing tensions.