Senior IPS officer Rajiv Singh has assumed charge as Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat, marking the end of his nearly three-year tenure in Manipur, a period that coincided with one of the state’s most challenging phases marked by prolonged ethnic violence and social unrest.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet had approved the appointment of the 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Tripura cadre to the sensitive post last month. The position heads the security wing of the Cabinet Secretariat and exercises administrative control over the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force responsible for the close security of the Prime Minister and eligible members of the Prime Minister’s family residing at the official residence.
Singh formally took over the assignment on June 5, succeeding Parag Jain, chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), who had been holding additional charge of the post since November 2025.
His transfer to the Centre comes after leading the Manipur Police during a prolonged crisis triggered by ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities that erupted on May 3, 2023. The violence left more than 260 people dead and displaced thousands across the state, creating one of the most serious law-and-order challenges in Manipur’s recent history.
Rajiv Singh was sent to Manipur on June 1, 2023, at a time when the state’s 45,000-member police force was facing severe internal strain. The force had become deeply divided along ethnic lines, with many personnel relocating to areas dominated by their respective communities. Reports indicated that nearly 1,200 police personnel were absent from duty during the peak of the unrest.
During his tenure, Singh introduced several measures aimed at restoring the functioning of the police force. More than 1,150 absent personnel were traced and permitted to resume duties from locations where they felt safe. In a significant step towards maintaining recruitment and operational continuity, he organised a virtual passing-out parade for 304 newly recruited constables from both Meitei and Kuki communities, allowing them to take their oath remotely before being deployed in their respective areas.
Under his leadership, the Manipur Police intensified efforts to recover looted weapons from armouries, strengthened security at vulnerable locations, dismantled militant bunkers in sensitive areas and provided security cover to farmers working in conflict-prone foothill regions.
Despite operating in an extremely polarised environment, Singh earned appreciation from leaders and representatives across different communities. Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh acknowledged his contribution in a message on X, stating that he “sincerely appreciated his dedicated service and significant contributions towards maintaining law and order and strengthening peace and stability in the state.”
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen also praised Singh’s “fair, impartial, and unbiased approach,” saying that despite the difficult circumstances, he remained transparent and balanced in carrying out his responsibilities.
A senior Meitei community leader similarly acknowledged Singh’s accessibility during the crisis and noted that although differences of opinion existed, “your sincerity in striving to do what was best for the state was always evident.”
With his appointment to the Cabinet Secretariat, Singh now moves to one of the country’s most important security assignments, bringing with him extensive experience gained from managing a complex and sensitive security situation in Manipur.
