Manipur violence: Top cop removed as uneasy calm prevails in violence-hit state

Digital Desk: The Manipur government appointed IPS officer Rajiv Singh as the state's DGP on Thursday, replacing P Doungel, who was sent to the Home Department as an Officer of Special Duty (OSD), amid racial unrest.

The development occurred while Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in Manipur holding discussions with warring communities and security personnel to forge a peace pact for the state that has been plagued by violence but still enjoys an uneasy calm.

Rajiv Singh, an IPS officer from the 1993 batch, would assume leadership of the police force and serve as the DGP upon joining the state administration, according to an order issued by the Manipur government. 

Amit Shah, speaking at a press conference in Imphal earlier in the day, announced that a committee led by a retired high court judge has been formed to oversee the inquiry into violent incidents in Manipur by a special CBI team.

The home minister is in a violent state for a four-day visit to mediate a peace accord between warring communities. He presided over meetings with government and security personnel and had conversations with a range of stakeholders while on his tour throughout the state.

"Over the past three days, I have made many trips to Manipur, meeting with officials in Churachandpur, Moreh, and Imphal to help bring about peace in the state. I've spoken with CSOs from the Kuki and Meitei groups, " Amit Shah stated.

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Violence broke out in Manipur last month after the hill districts held a "Tribal Solidarity March" to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation.

The state saw a sharp uptick in clashes and gunfights between terrorists and security personnel on May 28 after a relative lull for more than a fortnight.

According to officials, the violence has claimed the lives of nearly 80 people so far.