Ukhrul: In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Manipur government on Wednesday transferred as many as 70 officers, including 60 bureaucrats and 10 police officers across various districts. The move, as stated by newly appointed Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, aims to address the administrative challenges against the backdrop of the ongoing law and order situation in the state.
The major reshuffle includes the transfers of 10 IPS and Manipur Police Service officers. Among the reassignment of 60 bureaucrats, the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, Kengoo Zuringla, has been assigned as Secretary (Science & Tech.) and Special Secretary (Health & Family Welfare).
However, the Tangkhul Naga community in Ukhrul district has expressed disappointment over the sudden transfer of the Deputy Commissioner, the first woman DC in the last 76 years in Ukhrul, and appealed to the state government to revoke the transfer order of DC Zuringla.
On Thursday, a peaceful public demonstration against the transfer order of DC Zuringla was organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), an apex Tangkhul body, along with Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) as well as other frontal organisations of the community. Demanding the revocation of the transfer order of DC Zuringla, as the people of the district deserve good governance, the protestors, mostly women, blocked the entrance of the Mini Secretariat Complex and DC Bungalow at Ukhrul town.
Speaking to media persons, Sword Vashum, president of TNL, said that the transfer order was an insult to the Tangkhul community and stated that the demand for the DC to hand over her charge within 24 hours is unjust.
The TNL president also mentioned that he made several attempts to speak with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh over the phone; however, there was no response.
Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi, president of Tangkhul Shanao Long (Tangkhul Women Union), said, “On behalf of the public of Ukhrul district, we are here to express our concerns and issues regarding the transfer order of Madam Zuringla Kengoo, the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district.”
“The people of Ukhrul district want her to stay because of her outstanding performance as an able administrator,” said Lungharwoshi, as she expressed hope that the state government would listen to their appeal and concerns.
“In the last 76 years, among the administrators, she is the only woman administrator who has demonstrated outstanding public service. So, we will not rest until our interests and people’s voices are heard, and we appeal to the state government to reinstate the DC of Ukhrul district,” she added.
Earlier, the Tangkhul frontal organisations, including TNL, wrote to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh requesting the immediate cancellation of the transfer order of Kengoo Zuringla, IAS, the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, in the public interest.
In a letter addressed to CM N. Biren Singh, the TNL and its affiliated organisations—namely Tangkhul Shanao Long (Tangkhul Women Union), Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (Tangkhul Naga Headmen Association), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Tangkhul Students’ Union), and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (Tangkhul Youth Council)—urged for the immediate cancellation of the transfer order of Kengoo Zuringla, Ukhrul DC, purely in the public interest.
The Tangkhul organisations mentioned that huge public pressure is building up in favour of the immediate cancellation of the transfer order and highlighted Ukhrul DC Kengoo Zuringla’s humane and no-nonsense approach to handling public and official responsibilities.
The organisations further stated that the public of Ukhrul district has been favoured by a highly effective and efficient Deputy Commissioner, Kengoo Zuringla, IAS.
Having felt the pulse of the people on the ground, the Tangkhul apex organisations appealed for the cancellation of the transfer order of Kengoo Zuringla and for her to be retained for at least two more years, strictly in the public interest.
It may be noted that Kengoo Zuringla was appointed as the 36th Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district on May 18, 2023, during the peak of ethnic conflict in the state. After Ram Muivah, who is currently the sitting MLA from Ukhrul AC, Zuringla is the second person from the Tangkhul Naga community to serve as the Ukhrul DC.
Prior to this, she served as the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, Kamjong, and Kakching districts.
Zuringla is also known for her love of and collection of traditional attires and is often seen adorning traditional costumes in various official programmes and attending office, highlighting the importance of preserving one’s rich and unique cultural heritage. Besides being an able administrator admired by all, Zuringla has been credited with beautifying the Mini Secretariat office complex at Hamleikhong by transforming the complex environment with painted stones, framed flower beds filled with colourful flowers and ornamental plants, and traditional murals on the walls, attracting office-goers and visitors.
Also Read: Meghalaya: Scientific coal mining approved for three mining sites
You just read a story that took days to report. Help us keep our reporters on the ground in the Northeast.
Ad-free reading, support and keep important stories alive
Support once (any amount)
Scan to pay via UPI