A directive from the Manipur Police, signed by the Director General of Police, relieved 17 police personnel previously assigned to Singh
The security cover of former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was scaled down on Tuesday following his resignation earlier this month and the subsequent imposition of President’s Rule in the conflict-hit state.
A directive from the Manipur Police, signed by the Director General of Police, relieved 17 police personnel previously assigned to Singh, instructing them to return to their parent units with immediate effect. A separate order confirmed that only six personnel—three assistant sub-inspectors, one head constable and two constables—would remain attached to the former Chief Minister until further notice.
The move comes as Manipur continues to grapple with political instability and escalating security concerns. Singh had stepped down on 9 February, and President’s Rule was imposed on 13 February amid continuing unrest in the state.
Earlier on Tuesday, Singh met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan to discuss a series of issues, including the fallout from a recent incident in Gwaltabi that sparked public outcry. During the episode, security personnel reportedly demanded the word “Manipur” be removed from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus carrying journalists, triggering widespread condemnation.
Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Luwangshangbam, Imphal West, Singh said the meeting with the Governor had addressed “a range of pressing issues”, including illegal immigration and deteriorating security conditions.
In a social media post, Singh wrote: “Called on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan today. We had a detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues concerning the state, including the Gwaltabi incident and the need to resolve the tensions arising from it.”
Singh also highlighted the Ministry of Home Affairs’ 30-day directive on biometric registration and deportation of undocumented migrants, noting that the scale of the influx from Myanmar—particularly following the 2021 military coup—had made identification and verification a challenging task.
“With major influxes of refugees from Myanmar in 1962, 1988 and again after the 2021 military coup, the scale and complexity of identifying undocumented immigrants in Manipur is unprecedented,” he said, adding that he had urged the Governor to seek an extension of the ministry’s deadline.
He further said that the Governor had assured him of initiating steps to address the Gwaltabi controversy and would invite agitating groups for dialogue.
Singh also called for urgent action to disarm illegal armed groups and restore the security of national highways, which, he said, had remained unsafe for residents of the valley region for over two years.
The former Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the Centre’s efforts, insisting that identifying and deporting illegal immigrants was vital to ensuring national security and preserving Manipur’s cultural identity.
