UKHRUL: L. Kaiminlun Haokip has assumed charge as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the IISCO Steel Plant (ISP), Burnpur, West Bengal, on Sunday. He takes over the position after serving as Senior Commandant.
The CISF is a specialised paramilitary force entrusted with a multi-faceted role in the field of internal security. Over the years, the force has evolved into one of the country’s key security agencies, ensuring the protection of vital infrastructure and national assets.
ISP Burnpur is a leading integrated unit of the Steel Authority of India Limited and is known for its comprehensive steel manufacturing facilities, technological progress, and substantial contribution to the country’s infrastructure growth. The plant operates a fully integrated steel manufacturing setup that includes raw material handling, iron making, steel making, rolling mills and auxiliary units.
The facility produces a wide range of products catering to diverse industrial sectors, including TMT bars, wire rods, structural steel and pig iron, thereby playing a crucial role in supporting India’s construction and manufacturing industries.
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In April 2025, ISP marked a significant milestone in its modernisation journey by successfully demolishing five 70-year-old cooling towers as part of its expansion drive. Subsequently, following environmental clearance granted on June 4, 2025, SAIL formally commenced the next phase of expansion and modernisation of the ISP.
The ₹45,810 crore project involves the construction of a new plant with a capacity of 4.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which will raise the total production capacity from 2.5 MTPA to 7.1 MTPA by 2029. Unlike the existing mill that primarily produces bars and rods, the upcoming facility will manufacture advanced steel grades tailored for the automobile and consumer durables sectors.
The expansion is expected to be the largest industrial investment in a single project in West Bengal, generating substantial economic opportunities, particularly in the Asansol–Durgapur region.
With his elevation to the rank of DIG, Haokip becomes the first officer from the Kuki community to attain this position in the CISF. His achievement is seen as a milestone, paving the way for future generations and serving as an inspiration to many.