Senior Police Officer from Pulwama Terror Attack Probe Team Deployed to Manipur Amidst Escalating Violence

Rakesh Balwal, a senior police officer who had been part of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team investigating the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, has been deployed by the Central government to Manipur as tensions rise once again in the violence-affected state. Balwal, a 2012-batch IPS officer of the Manipur cadre, had assumed the role of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Srinagar in late 2021.

The Union Home Ministry issued an order for his new deployment. The decision to send him to Imphal came in response to renewed violence following the brutal killing of two students, leading to widespread protests. Internet services were suspended again until October 1 due to the unrest. Recent clashes between students and security forces have left at least 100 students injured, adding to the toll of violence that has plagued Manipur since May 3, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements.