**Manipur Government Strengthens Policing with New Police Station and SDPO Posts**
The Manipur government has taken significant steps to enhance district-level policing by approving the establishment of a new Secretariat Police Station in Mantripukhri and sanctioning twelve new Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) positions across various districts. This initiative, proposed by the Manipur Police Department, aims to bolster law enforcement, improve investigation oversight, and manage law and order more effectively, particularly in newly formed and sensitive districts.
This decision aligns with the planned relocation of the State Civil Secretariat and Police Headquarters to Mantripukhri. The new police station will ensure dedicated security for the upcoming government complex and nearby institutions, including the Manipur High Court, the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), and the Forest Office Complex. Additionally, an SDPO post has been approved for the New Capital Complex under the Imphal East district, facilitating better coordination between the new Secretariat Police Station and the existing Heingang Police Station.
To address the shortage of supervisory officers in several districts, the state has sanctioned new SDPO positions in Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Pherzawl, and Noney. In districts like Chandel, Churachandpur, and Tamenglong, where only one SDPO post currently exists, police operations have faced challenges due to rising crime rates and increasing administrative demands.
Under the revised structure, Kangpokpi district will receive three SDPOs for Kangpokpi, Sapermeina, and New Keithelmanbi, while Kamjong will have two SDPOs for Kasom Khullen and Kamjong. One SDPO each will be assigned to Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, and Noney. Additional SDPOs will also be deployed in Churachandpur (Singhat), Chandel (Chakpikarong), Tamenglong (Tamei), and Imphal East (New Capital Complex).
The government has adopted a cost-neutral approach for these new SDPO positions, reallocating personnel from existing Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Assistant Commandant-level posts. Similarly, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Secretariat Police Station will be appointed by converting an already sanctioned Inspector post, ensuring no additional financial burden on the state budget.
According to the Director General of Police, these structural changes are expected to enhance command and control, improve case follow-up, and increase the overall responsiveness of the police force. The new arrangements are also designed to strengthen law enforcement in border and remote areas.
The state government remains committed to enhancing policing infrastructure in a sustainable, efficient, and citizen-oriented manner. Officials view this initiative as a proactive step toward improving public safety and administrative coordination throughout Manipur.
**FAQ**
**What is the purpose of the new police station and SDPO posts in Manipur?**
The new police station and SDPO posts aim to strengthen district-level policing, improve investigation oversight, and enhance law and order management, particularly in sensitive and newly created districts.