Manipur Police inducted 477 vehicles worth part of a Rs. 196.61 crore MHA package. DGP Rajiv Singh cited sweeping modernisation measures and urged public cooperation with security forces.
Imphal, May 25: Manipur Police on Monday inducted 477 new vehicles under a central government modernisation scheme, with Director General of Police Rajiv Singh using the occasion to present a detailed account of the force's operational and welfare progress over the past few years, and to appeal to the public to stop obstructing security forces during lawful operations.
The flagging-off ceremony was held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal. Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh flagged off the vehicles under the Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme of the Government of India. Home Minister K. Govindas Singh attended as guest of honour.
Speaking at the event, DGP Rajiv Singh said that the vehicle induction is part of a larger modernisation push for which the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved projects worth Rs. 196.61 crores. The package spans several components including security infrastructure, forensic equipment, communication systems, and smart policing initiatives across Manipur.
"The induction of these newly procured vehicles marks another significant step towards strengthening the operational capability, mobility, responsiveness and professionalism of Manipur Police," the DGP said.
He said that the modernisation drive did not begin on paper. Before the proposals were drawn up, he said he personally toured remote parts of the state to assess ground-level conditions, reviewing police infrastructure, mobility gaps, communication systems, accommodation, training facilities, and overall operational preparedness.
Of the 477 vehicles, 54 percent have been allocated to hill districts to strengthen policing in remote and sensitive areas. The remaining 46 percent will go to valley districts, including traffic and technical branches. The fleet covers a wide range of operational needs: Bolero and Bolero Neo SUVs, Tata Yodha pickups, Mahindra Rakshak bullet-proof vehicles, Tata Mine Protected Vehicles (MPVs), Tata 407s, wire-mesh fitted buses, water tankers, trucks, and motorcycles.
The DGP's address went well beyond the vehicle induction. He presented what amounted to a comprehensive account of where Manipur Police stands after several difficult years of operating under conflict conditions.
On the operational front, the DGP said about 1,000 persons have been arrested on extortion-related charges, and more than 7,902 arms have been recovered. He cited the formation of an Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell as a dedicated mechanism to tackle this problem. An MoU signed with the National Security Guard, he said, has enabled specialised training and capacity building for the force.
The DGP also highlighted anti-drug enforcement drives and expanded social media outreach as tools the force has been using actively. He said new SDPO posts have been created to improve supervision, investigation management, and local law and order responses. Newly recruited personnel are being trained at Dergaon in Assam.
On welfare, the DGP listed enhancements to ration money and uniform allowances for police personnel, and an increase in the monthly remuneration of Village Defence Force members. An MoU signed with the State Bank of India, he said, provides financial security and welfare benefits for police personnel and their families.
Infrastructure development is also underway across the state, with 62 percent of new police buildings and accommodation facilities being constructed in hill districts. He noted the inauguration of the new Police Headquarters by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a significant recent development.
The DGP also referred to the force's role in ensuring security during visits by the President of India and the Prime Minister, and in maintaining the free movement of goods and essential commodities, including petroleum products, along national highways.
Addressing the issue of public protests, DGP Rajiv Singh said that there have been repeated instances where roads were blocked and security forces were obstructed while conducting operations against extortionists and anti-social elements. He called on all sections of society to extend cooperation to security forces during such operations.
"Extortionists and anti-social elements are major obstacles to peace, progress, education, trade, and the future of the youth," he said.
"The State Police have been handling protests in a calibrated and restrained manner so as to cause minimum damage to innocent members of the public and protestors," he said. He added that Manipur Police is here to serve the public, and that its operations are directed at insurgents, criminals, extortionists and scammers, but not at ordinary citizens.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, in his address, acknowledged the role of Manipur Police in controlling the violence that began on May 3, 2023, and credited the DGP and his team for securing the ASUMP package. He assured that the government would continue to strengthen and modernise the force and improve welfare for its personnel. He also appealed to members of the public not to use catapults or projectiles against security forces during protests, and called for peaceful dialogue.
Home Minister K. Govindas Singh thanked the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for approving the scheme, praised the DGP's efforts in securing the fleet, and asked the police to work towards stronger intelligence networks and better public relations.
