Imphal: With tensions running high over the recent hostage incidents involving members of both the Naga and Kuki communities, new Manipur director general of police (DGP) Mukesh Singh on Sunday visited Kangpokpi and Senapati districts to assess the security situation and engage with community leaders in the hill areas.The visit, Singh’s first field tour since taking charge as the state police chief, comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating inter-community relations and the fragile law and order situation in the violence-hit districts.Accompanied by ADGP Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo, the DGP held a series of meetings with senior police officials, district administrations, commanders of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and representatives of various Kuki and Naga civil society organisations.Addressing reporters during the visit, Singh said the purpose of the tour was to directly review the prevailing situation and understand the concerns of local communities.“This is my seventh day in office, and the reason for my visit to Kangpokpi and Senapati was the existing law and order situation here,” Singh said. “I have interacted with civil society groups and district police officers. They have briefed me about the current situation and the measures needed to improve it.”The DGP said feedback from district police authorities and civil society groups would help guide future deployment and realignment of security forces in sensitive areas.“I have also taken feedback from civil society groups regarding their concerns, and I will make efforts to address these concerns as soon as possible,” he said.Reiterating the police department’s commitment to impartial enforcement of law, Singh said any violation of law would be dealt with strictly in accordance with legal provisions.The DGP also acknowledged that relations between the police and the public had been affected during the prolonged ethnic conflict and stressed the need to rebuild trust through sustained community outreach.Calling peace restoration his top priority, Singh appealed to all communities to revive the spirit of coexistence and mutual understanding.“Of course, the larger aim is to ensure that peace prevails in the state, and that is what my primary aim will be,” he said.“My message to the people is to come a step forward and reach out to people of other communities and try to coexist peacefully, as they had been doing earlier,” he added.According to a police statement, the DGP met representatives of various Kuki organisations and also interacted with several Naga organisations during the visit.
