New Delhi: Former Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has been appointed as the Governor of Manipur, replacing Lakashman Prasad Acharya, who held the position since July 31.

Bhalla's appointment comes during a critical period of ethnic violence in Manipur, which started in May 2023.

A retired IAS officer from the 1984 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Bhalla served as India’s Home Secretary for nearly five years until August 2024.

Hailing from Jalandhar, Punjab, his extensive administrative experience will be pivotal in addressing Manipur’s challenges.

President Droupadi Murmu approved several gubernatorial appointments, including:

Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan has been transferred to Bihar, succeeding Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

Bihar Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has been moved to Kerala.

Odisha Governor: Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, former Mizoram Governor, replaces Raghubar Das, whose resignation was accepted.

Mizoram Governor: Former Army Chief General Dr Vijay Kumar Singh has been named Mizoram Governor, his first gubernatorial role.

General VK Singh Takes Up Mizoram Governorship

General Dr Vijay Kumar Singh, a former MP from Ghaziabad (2014-2024) and Union minister, succeeds Dr Kambhampati as Mizoram Governor. His military and political background will likely play a significant role in addressing the state's administrative needs.

The appointments will take effect once the Governors assume their respective offices.