Manipur Police Enhances Fleet with New Vehicles for Improved Security

In a significant move to enhance security and operational efficiency, Manipur Police has introduced 477 new vehicles, including bulletproof options, under a central modernization scheme. This initiative aims to address mobility challenges faced by security forces, particularly in hill districts. Home Minister Govindas Singh emphasized the importance of this induction, while Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh praised the police's role in maintaining law and order during recent crises. The government plans to further modernize the police force with advanced weapons and equipment, ensuring better preparedness for future challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 12:42 IST

Strengthening Security in Manipur

Home Minister Govindas Singh highlighted that mobility challenges have long hindered security forces, particularly in the hill regions. (Photo: 'X'/@YKhemchandSingh)

Imphal, May 25: The Manipur Police have added 477 new vehicles, including bulletproof options, as part of the Central government's police modernization initiative aimed at enhancing mobility, operational readiness, and security responses throughout the state.

The official launch of these vehicles took place during a ceremony at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, attended by Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, Home Minister K. Govindas Singh, and senior police officials on Monday.

Home Minister Govindas Singh described this induction as a pivotal advancement in bolstering policing and security efforts, noting that mobility issues have significantly impacted security forces, especially in hilly terrains.

“This event is crucial as mobility has been a significant issue, particularly in the hill areas,” he stated, mentioning that approximately 54% of the newly acquired vehicles will be allocated to hill districts.

The vehicles were officially launched during a ceremony at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground.

The Home Minister also mentioned plans to acquire more advanced weapons and equipment to further modernize the police force.

“We are set to procure more sophisticated weapons, including firearms and equipment for cybercrime investigations and other needs,” he added.

He emphasized that the government is addressing the shortages of modern tools and personnel within the police department as part of the ongoing modernization efforts.

During the event, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh commended the Manipur Police for their efforts during the ongoing crisis, stating that they have been instrumental in "protecting lives and property while restoring law and order following the ethnic violence outbreak in May 2023."

Khemchand Singh expressed optimism that the addition of new vehicles and modern equipment would enhance the operational efficiency and response capabilities of the Manipur Police in both valley and hill regions.

In comments to the media after the ceremony, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh noted that this induction would significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the state police.

He pointed out that the distribution of vehicles was tailored to meet the operational needs of vulnerable and remote areas, with bulletproof vehicles included due to previous ambush incidents involving security personnel.

“We required bulletproof vehicles, and this need has been addressed. We are hopeful that our police strength and operational capacity will see significant improvements,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his time in Manipur, the outgoing DGP described his experience as “beautiful” and praised the professionalism and dedication of the Manipur Police during one of the most challenging periods in the state's recent history.

It is noteworthy that Mukesh Singh, a 1996-batch IPS officer from the AGMUT cadre, will assume the role of the next Director General of Police in Manipur on May 30, following the Centre's approval of his inter-cadre deputation as a “special case in public interest.”