Manipur Government Discontinues Service of Army Colonel (Retd.) Appointed as Sr. SP; Orders High-Level Inquiry into Protest Incident
||Black and White Digital News ||
||November 19,2024 ||
Imphal :The Government of Manipur has terminated the services of Col. (Retd.) Nectar Sanjenbam, who was serving as Sr. SP (Combat), following a violent confrontation between a Special Commando Team under his leadership and protestors near the Jiribam Police Station on November 17, 2024. The incident led to two protestors being injured by gunfire, with one succumbing to their injuries.
Col. (Retd.) Sanjenbam’s appointment as Sr. SP (Combat) in Manipur marked a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, blending military expertise with civilian policing. This policy was later emulated in Jammu and Kashmir, where an Army officer was recently appointed to a similar position. However, the developments in Manipur now cast a shadow over the effectiveness and appropriateness of such appointments, raising critical questions about the integration of military personnel in civil law enforcement roles.
High-Level Inquiry Committee Constituted
The Governor of Manipur has constituted a two-member inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the incident. The committee members include:
1.Kabib K, IGP (Intelligence)– Chairman
2.Ningshen Wornam, DIG (Range-III)– Member
The committee has been entrusted with the following tasks:
1. Investigating the causes and circumstances leading to the confrontation.
2. Identifying contributing factors, including the role of public authorities.
3. Determining if any foul play or negligence occurred during the handling of the protest.
4. Recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 30 days.
Immediate Suspension of Duties:
Pending the outcome of the inquiry, the state government has discontinued Col. (Retd.) Nectar Sanjenbam’s services as Sr. SP (Combat). The decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and addressing public concerns surrounding the incident.
Broader Implications for Policy on Civil-Military Integration:
Manipur’s pioneering decision to appoint a retired Army officer as Sr. SP was aimed at leveraging military expertise in counter-insurgency operations. However, the incident at Jiribam has sparked intense debate over the potential risks of using military-trained personnel in civil policing roles. A similar approach recently adopted in Jammu and Kashmir, where a Army officer was appointed to a senior police position, is also likely to face increased scrutiny in light of these developments.
This episode highlights the challenges and sensitivities of integrating military professionalism into civilian governance structures. The findings of the inquiry committee will play a crucial role in shaping the future of such policies, not only in Manipur but across India.
