IMPHAL, May 28: The Manipur Police has sharply reduced the security detail of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, withdrawing 17 personnel who were previously assigned to him. The directive, signed by the Director General of Police on Tuesday, instructed the security personnel to report back to their respective units with immediate effect.
A follow-up order confirmed that only six security staff will now remain with the former CM — including three assistant sub-inspectors, one head constable, and two constables — until further notice.
The decision comes more than three months after Singh stepped down from office on February 9, followed by the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13. While no official reason has been cited for the drastic cut, the move marks a notable departure from previous post-resignation security protocols observed in the state.
Security arrangements for former chief ministers are generally determined through threat perception assessments and administrative reviews. However, the sudden nature and scale of the reduction have raised quiet speculation, particularly following Singh’s recent meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to discuss various pressing state matters.
The timing of the decision — amid ongoing unrest and heightened political sensitivity — has prompted further questions about the underlying factors influencing the move.
