Governor chairs meeting with top officials
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 17 2025: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a high-level meeting at the Old Secretariat on Monday, marking his first official interaction with top civil and security officers since the imposition of President's Rule in the state.

The meeting was attended by security advisor, director general of police (DGP), chief secretary, and other senior officials, including civil officers (IAS and MCS), as well as key figures from the state's police and forest departments.

While the agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed, sources said it was an introductory session where the Governor familiarised himself with the senior officers responsible for the administration of the state.

The Governor emphasised the need for all officials to work in a neutral, transparent, and efficient manner, particularly in the current situation where the state is under central rule.

The meeting is considered significant as it marks the Governor's first major engagement with administration officials since the transition of power.

Following the resignation of chief minister N Biren on February 9 and the subsequent imposition of President's Rule, the Governor has assumed full administrative authority.

His interaction with top officials signals the beginning of a new phase of governance aimed at maintaining law and order, ensuring stability, and addressing ongoing challenges in the state.

Officials present at the meeting included senior bureaucrats, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Additional PCCF, along with top law enforcement officers such as the additional director general (Law & Order) and other key security officials.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in as the 20th Governor of Manipur on January 3, 2025, after being appointed to the post on December 24, 2024 .

A retired IAS officer from the 1984 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, he brings decades of administrative experience to his role.

Originally from Jalandhar, Punjab, he served as the union home secretary from August 23, 2019, to August 22, 2024, during which he played a pivotal role in managing several national security challenges, including the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir into two union territories, as well as the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

He succeeded Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who had been serving as the Governor- in - charge of Manipur since July 2024.Bhalla's appointment came at a crucial juncture when the state was grappling with prolonged unrest.

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