Leh, Jan 17: Mukesh Singh, a 1996-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, today stepped into office as the new Director General of Police of Ladakh, marking a fresh chapter in the Union Territory’s policing structure. He took charge from Dr. Shiv Darshan (S.D.) Singh Jamwal, a 1995-batch IPS officer, who has been transferred to Arunachal Pradesh as its police chief.
The change of command unfolded at Police Headquarters Leh on Thursday, where Mukesh Singh was received with a Guard of Honour. Senior officers and staff gathered for the event, reflecting the orderly transition in the newly carved Union Territory. Singh interacted briefly with personnel and familiarised himself with ongoing operations across the region.
Regarded within policing circles as one of the most seasoned officers in the AGMUT cadre, Singh returns to ground duty after years in demanding assignments on central deputation.
His career includes multiple postings across Jammu and Kashmir and premier security institutions. He has served as Additional Director General in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Jammu Zone, Inspector General in the ITBP, Jammu Zone, and Crime Branch, as well as IG in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Earlier, he led district policing as Senior Superintendent of Police in several parts of J&K, gaining deep experience in counter-terror, intelligence and public order.
His wide-ranging service equips him to guide policing in Ladakh’s unusual setting — high altitude terrain, long winters, and security responsibilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Officials said the Ministry of Home Affairs cleared his posting earlier this month, underscoring the Centre’s sustained attention on strengthening Ladakh’s administrative and security pillars. Sources added that Singh’s early repatriation from central duties was accelerated to avoid any leadership gap.
Outgoing DGP Jamwal, who heads to Arunachal Pradesh, earned appreciation for his initiatives in community outreach, station infrastructure improvement and force well-being during his Ladakh tenure. Personnel credited him with preparing the young UT police for modern policing challenges.
As the new police chief, Singh is expected to pursue force modernisation, including smart surveillance systems, specialised training for duty in thin-oxygen conditions, and improved coordination with border guarding agencies.
Local voices across Leh and Kargil have responded positively to the appointment, hopeful that relations between the police and residents will deepen.
The transition comes as Ladakh continues shaping its administrative identity following its separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. With growing geopolitical sensitivities and tourism-driven migration, police presence and preparedness remain central to public confidence and development.
