Puneet Kumar Goel Takes Charge as Manipur Chief Secretary Amid Ongoing Unrest and President’s Rule
In a significant administrative development for the strife-torn state of Manipur, the central government has appointed Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary. A 1991-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, Goel officially assumed office in Imphal on July 21, 2025, amid a backdrop of prolonged ethnic violence, deepening law-and-order challenges, and an extended period of President’s Rule in the state.
This marks the fourth change of Chief Secretary in Manipur since the eruption of ethnic violence in May 2023. The move reflects the Centre’s urgent push to stabilize governance and restore administrative efficiency during one of the state’s most turbulent phases in recent history.
Manipur has remained under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following months of brutal ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence has resulted in the deaths of more than 260 people and the displacement of nearly 70,000 residents. Homes, places of worship, and entire villages have been destroyed, and trust between communities has eroded severely.
In recent weeks, the state has seen fresh security threats. Militant activity has resurged, with reports of arrests and recoveries of arms and explosives. In one of the largest recent crackdowns, security forces apprehended members of banned outfits such as the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from Churachandpur district. These developments further underscore the fragile situation that Dr. Goel inherits.
Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel brings with him a distinguished administrative record. He previously served as Chief Secretary of Goa and held key positions at the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. His experience in tribal affairs, governance, and crisis management is expected to be instrumental in navigating the complex socio-political landscape of Manipur.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) officially cleared Goel’s name on July 16, 2025. He replaces Prashant Kumar Singh, a 1993-batch IAS officer from the Manipur cadre, who has now been appointed Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi.
Senior officials described Goel’s appointment as “critical” to bridging administrative gaps and preparing the ground for potential political resolution, especially with the expiry of the current term of President’s Rule approaching on August 13. Whether the central government will extend the imposition remains to be seen.
Dr. Goel steps into the role at a time when Manipur’s social fabric is deeply fractured. His responsibilities will include restoring public confidence in the administration, ensuring equitable delivery of relief and rehabilitation, and curbing the activities of militant groups.
Perhaps most importantly, his leadership may shape the future course of political dialogue in the state. The Centre has reportedly been holding backroom discussions with civil society groups, community leaders, and security agencies to assess whether a semblance of normalcy has returned to permit the resumption of democratic governance.
Public expectations are high. While many in Manipur have welcomed Goel’s appointment, others remain skeptical, noting that administrative changes alone cannot substitute for long-term political and societal healing.
This marks the fourth change of Chief Secretary in Manipur since the eruption of ethnic violence in May 2023. The move reflects the Centre’s urgent push to stabilize governance and restore administrative efficiency during one of the state’s most turbulent phases in recent history.
Manipur has remained under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following months of brutal ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence has resulted in the deaths of more than 260 people and the displacement of nearly 70,000 residents. Homes, places of worship, and entire villages have been destroyed, and trust between communities has eroded severely.
In recent weeks, the state has seen fresh security threats. Militant activity has resurged, with reports of arrests and recoveries of arms and explosives. In one of the largest recent crackdowns, security forces apprehended members of banned outfits such as the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from Churachandpur district. These developments further underscore the fragile situation that Dr. Goel inherits.
Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel brings with him a distinguished administrative record. He previously served as Chief Secretary of Goa and held key positions at the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. His experience in tribal affairs, governance, and crisis management is expected to be instrumental in navigating the complex socio-political landscape of Manipur.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) officially cleared Goel’s name on July 16, 2025. He replaces Prashant Kumar Singh, a 1993-batch IAS officer from the Manipur cadre, who has now been appointed Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi.
Senior officials described Goel’s appointment as “critical” to bridging administrative gaps and preparing the ground for potential political resolution, especially with the expiry of the current term of President’s Rule approaching on August 13. Whether the central government will extend the imposition remains to be seen.
Dr. Goel steps into the role at a time when Manipur’s social fabric is deeply fractured. His responsibilities will include restoring public confidence in the administration, ensuring equitable delivery of relief and rehabilitation, and curbing the activities of militant groups.
Perhaps most importantly, his leadership may shape the future course of political dialogue in the state. The Centre has reportedly been holding backroom discussions with civil society groups, community leaders, and security agencies to assess whether a semblance of normalcy has returned to permit the resumption of democratic governance.
Public expectations are high. While many in Manipur have welcomed Goel’s appointment, others remain skeptical, noting that administrative changes alone cannot substitute for long-term political and societal healing.
