Ukhrul: Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in as the 17th Governor of Manipur on Friday morning in a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan’s Darbar Hall in Imphal. Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, Justice D. Krishnakumar, administered the oath of office.
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The event was attended by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Assembly Speaker Th. Satyabrata, Ministers, former Chief Ministers O. Ibobi and Radhabinod Koijam, MLAs, senior police and civil officials, and military personnel. Following the oath, Governor Bhalla inspected a Guard of Honour accorded by Manipur Rifles and India Reserve Battalion personnel.
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Bhalla, a retired IAS officer and former Union Home Secretary, takes office at a crucial time as Manipur continues to face ethnic unrest. Chief Minister Biren expressed confidence in Bhalla’s experience and understanding of the state’s issues, emphasizing his tenure as Union Home Secretary. Biren stated that Bhalla’s leadership would help restore peace and normalcy.
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Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also clarified recent media reports about his apology concerning the Manipur crisis. He accused opposition parties of misinterpreting his remarks, stating that his apology was directed at displaced and affected citizens, not terrorists. He criticised the opposition for attempting to misinterpret his words and politicize the issue.
Governor Bhalla, originally from Jalandhar, Punjab, has a distinguished administrative career, including serving nearly five years as India’s Home Secretary. His appointment by President Droupadi Murmu made official on December 24 comes at a time of significant challenges for the state.
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