State Information Commissioners sworn in
Manipur Information Commissioner Oinam Sunil being sworn in. Photo: Northeast Now

Former police officer Dr Soibam Ibocha Singh and former journalist Oinam Sunil were sworn in as State Information Commissioners (SIC) of Manipur at Raj Bhavan, Imphal on Monday.

Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla administered the oath of office to the two SICs, according to DlPR reports.

Dr Ibocha Singh speaking to media after the swearing-in-ceremony, said that as the Information Commissioner of the State, he will work to provide information sought by the people regarding their grievances. He also said he will try to forge a better relationship with the all the community members. Notably, Dr S Ibocha Singh retired from service as IGP (Administration).

Oinam Sunil praising the State Government stated that it is a proud moment for the Journalist fraternity not only in Manipur but the entire North East for appointing a journalist as the State Information Commissioner. With his appointment the State has achieved the distinction of appointing a Journalist as State Information Commissioner for the first time, he added.

He further added that he is hopeful that with the appointment, in due course of time every govt. in other North East States will also appoint qualified Journalist as State Information Commissioner. The Commission consists of three members including Chief Information Commissioner and two State Information Commissioners. Oinam Sunil began his career in Journalism in 1988-89 and at the time of his appointment to the coveted post, he was working as the Senior Assistant Editor (North East) with national newspaper- The Times of India.

Th. Ibobi Singh is the Chief Information Commissioner of the Manipur Information Commission.

The swearing-in-ceremony was attended by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh, CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam, Speaker Y Khemchand, MLA  N Indrajit and others.  Top ranking Civil and Police officials, family members of the newly sworn-in State Information Commissioners also attended among others.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh has congratulated the two SICs – Dr Soibam Ibocha Singh and Oinam Sunil.

Sobhapati Samom is Northeast Now Correspondent in Imphal. He can be reached at: [email protected]