Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh praised Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appointment as the 19th Governor on Friday, stating that it shows how committed the federal government is to addressing Manipur’s problems.
“Appointing one of the most intelligent and competent persons as the governor of Manipur during this time shows serious concern of the central govt in resolving Manipur issues,” Chief Minister Biren Singh told reporters. I am acquainted with Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who has a wealth of expertise and has held numerous high-level posts in the national government, primarily in the Home Department. He is well-versed in the Manipur problem.
In a post on X, he added, “I offer my sincere best wishes for his successful term and look forward to working together towards a peaceful and prosperous Manipur under his leadership.”
On Friday, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the former Union Home Secretary, took the oath of office as Manipur’s 19th governor.
The Raj Bhawan in Imphal served as the venue for the swearing-in event. High-ranking government and law enforcement personnel, together with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his council of ministers, attended the ceremony.
Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who took over as Manipur’s governor on July 31 of last year, is succeeded by Bhalla.
Bhalla was born on November 26, 1960, and entered the public service in 1984. He is a retired IAS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. From August 23, 2019, to August 22, 2024, he was the Union Home Secretary.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla oversaw a number of difficult problems and significant national difficulties while serving as home secretary. He led the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, managed the government’s response to the nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and oversaw the implementation of changes after Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu & Kashmir, was repealed in 2019. Bhalla served a number of important government posts prior to his appointment as union home secretary.
The appointment of Bhalla coincides with the continuing hostilities in Manipur between the Kuki and Meitei populations, which flared on May 3, 2024, following a demonstration organised by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The event was organised in reaction to the Manipur High Court’s order to examine giving the Meitei community Scheduled Tribe status. (ANI)
