MANIPUR has undergone significant challenges in recent years, primarily due to longstanding ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. This period of instability resulted in major political changes, including the removal of the earlier chief minister and the imposition of President’s Rule, during which Manipur saw three different governors. To ease restoration of order, the central government appointed an experienced former Union Home Secretary as Governor. As of February 2026, President’s Rule has concluded and a new BJP-led State Government has assumed office in Manipur.
A seasoned retired military veteran has been named Adviser to the Chief Minister, eliciting varied responses. Both Meitei and Kuki groups have representation within the military, and there is precedent for veterans holding governmental roles, such as a retired Colonel being appointed SSP in August 2023. In other states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland, it is customary to appoint governors from among military veterans, particularly in regions experiencing disturbances.
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Military veterans also often serve as Advisers to the Governor in these circumstances. However, the role of Adviser to Chief Ministers has typically been entrusted to retired bureaucrats possessing significant administrative expertise and extensive professional networks. The Manipur Government’s appointment of Lt Gen L. Nishikanta Singh as Adviser to the Chief Minister signifies a departure from this established norm.
Lt. Gen. Singh is known for his support of RSS ideology, his close association with the BJP, and membership in the influential Meitei community. Given Manipur’s deep-seated ethnic divisions, concerns have been raised that this appointment may face conflict of interest. To mitigate such feelings, Lt. Gen. Singh will need to show impartiality and earn the trust of all communities, especially the Kuki and Naga communities.
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While the state government could have selected a bureaucrat or police officer for the adviser’s position hailing from outside the region, the choice of a veteran underscores the importance attributed to civil-military relations in Manipur. Lt. Gen. Singh’s distinct background and affiliations are a notable shift in strategy.
Historically, while veterans such as Maj Gen RS Sparrow, Brig KP Singh Deo, and former Army Chiefs Gen Shankar Roy Chowdhary and Gen VK Singh have pursued political careers, they have not occupied sensitive positions within their home regions. The only exception has been the two term tenure of the controversial Super Cop, late KPS Gill as DGP in his home state of Punjab. Although his tough measures brought about a change but not without accusations of human right excesses.
The choice of Lt. Gen. Nishikanta Singh appears to indicate a preference for a veteran aligned ideologically with the BJP, rather than reliance on purely administrative credentials. This decision also prompts questions about the rationale for not initially appointing him as Adviser to the Governor, Ajay Bhalla, which could have provided valuable governance experience before transitioning to a political role. The BJP’s strategy suggests an intention to prepare Lt. Gen Singh for future political leadership in Manipur.
With the establishment of the new government, the role of the Governor in Manipur’s affairs has diminished. Conversely, this development may allow the Manipur Governor, Ajay Bhalla—who has held added charge of Nagaland since August 2025—to devote greater attention towards achieving a political resolution in Nagaland until a full-time governor is appointed.
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Going forward, Lt. Gen. Nishikanta Singh’s capacity to act impartially and promote collaboration among all communities will be pivotal in restoring peace and stability in Manipur.
Lt Gen Singh’s appointment will be vindicated if normalcy is restored to facilitate lifting of AFSPA from the State which is in force in most of Manipur except 13 specific police stations in the five valley districts. Nonetheless, continued vigilance from all stakeholders, including the Centre and local population, is essential until enduring stability is achieved.
(The views expressed by the author are his personal. The author can be reached at prak_bhatt@yahoo.co.in)