Col (Rtd) Nectar named SSP (combat)

IMPHAL, Sep 3
The Manipur Government has appointed retired Colonel Nectar Sanjebam, a highly decorated officer of 21 Para (Special Forces) known for leading India's surgical strike across the Myanmar border in 2015, as the strife-hit State's senior SSP (combat) - a position created for him.
Col Sanjebam, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, retired prematurely last year after serving for two decades, with most of his tenure dedicated to battling insurgency in Manipur.
He was awarded the Kirti Chakra in 2015, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his leadership in cross-border raids on insurgent camps following a major attack in Manipur's Chandel district near the Myanmar border. Earlier, as a Captain, he had received the Shaurya Chakra gallantry award in 2005.
The newly created role reflects his exceptional military background and experience. Although his exact role has not been clarified, sources suggest that he may oversee the supervision and operational conduct of Manipur police commandos.
The State Government decided to appoint Col Sanjebam to SSP (combat) on June 12, and the order was issued by the Governor on August 28, "on a fixed tenure basis for a period of 5 years" with immediate effect.
The appointment comes amid heightened security concerns in Manipur following ethnic violence that erupted on May 3. The Centre had appointed retired IPS officer and former CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh as a Security Advisor to the State Government. Subsequently, senior IPS officer Rajiv Singh was brought in as DGP, replacing P Doungel, who was transferred to the post of officer on special duty (home).
Sources said the appointment of Col Sanjebam was made directly by the State Cabinet without the submission of a formal proposal by the State police headquarters, deviating from the typical process for creating new positions within the Govt Departments.  TNN