ITANAGAR, Nov 6: Senior IPS officer Rajesh Kumar has assumed charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday following his appointment by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on November 3.
Kumar, a 1995-batch IPS officer, replaces Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, also a 1995-batch AGMUT cadre officer, who has been transferred to Delhi, according to an MHA order.
Before his new assignment, Kumar was serving as Special Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). He was repatriated to his parent cadre on November 2 and appointed as the Arunachal Pradesh DGP with immediate effect.
His appointment comes at a time when the state is witnessing protests over the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), with demonstrations and opposition from sections of local communities raising concerns over law and order in the project-affected areas.
The Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) welcomed Kumar, expressing confidence that his leadership and guidance would strengthen the force’s commitment to serving the people and maintaining peace, safety and security across the state. The department also wished him a successful tenure.
Home Minister Mama Natung separately welcomed the new DGP and conveyed his best wishes. Natung said he had an insightful discussion with Kumar on strengthening peace and security across the state, promoting community policing and intensifying the fight against the drug menace to safeguard the future of the youth.
Kumar takes charge of the state police at a crucial juncture, with the administration facing the task of maintaining public order while addressing concerns and tensions surrounding the proposed hydropower project. Strengthening coordination between the police and local communities, alongside efforts to prevent drug abuse and other criminal activities, is expected to remain among the key challenges during his tenure.