Imphal, Manipur, January 3 (HBTV): Former Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla took oath as the 19th governor of Manipur during a function at the Raj Bhavan, Imphal on Friday.

Bhalla was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur Justice D Krishnakumar.

The new governor inspected the guard of honor by Manipur Rifles personnel.

Bhalla, who has the rare distinction of being the longest-serving Union Home Secretary, completed his five-year tenure in August the previous year. He is a 1984-batch retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Bhalla the governor of Manipur the previous month.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was holding the additional charge of Manipur.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Assembly Speaker Th Stayabrata, former Chief Minister O Ibobi, and director general of police of Manipur Manipur Rajiv Singh; and ministers, legislators and high ranking officers attended the event.