New Delhi: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has decided to operate from the state secretariat in Imphal thrice a week, with the announcement raising quite a few eyebrows because under the established practice, Governors operate from the Raj Bhawan.

"Office of the minister of education will be used by the governor. Another ministerial office will be used by his advisers. Several offices in the old and new secretariat are closed," said a senior government official, reported The Economic Times.

Manipur is presently under President’s Rule since the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

Bhalla, who is a former Union Home Secretary, was appointed as the new Manipur governor in December last year.

The ethnic conflict in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in May 2023, has led to the displacement of hundreds of families, the destruction of homes, and a growing humanitarian crisis. Reports of targeted killings, arson, and sporadic gunfire became more frequent, further deepening the communal divide.

At least 258 deaths have also been reported across Manipur since the conflict began. The protracted violence has also led to widespread economic disruptions, with blockades and transport restrictions affecting the supply of essential goods, worsening the humanitarian impact.

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