Robin Hibu – Bridging the Gap, Empowering the Northeast

ON DECEMBER 11, 2014, in his New Delhi office, Robin Hibu, the first IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh and a passionate advocate for Northeast Indians, shared his inspiring journey and unwavering dedication to supporting Northeast communities in New Delhi and other metropolitan cities across India.

Below is an excerpt from the interview conducted by our special correspondent 
in New Delhi, Bruce K. Thangkhal.

Q: Can you tell us about your roots and upbringing?
Robin Hibu: I come from Hong Village, Ziro, in East Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. Hong is one of Asia’s largest tribal villages, with over 4,000 households but no electricity. Growing up in such a setting taught me resilience and determination. My father was a farmer, and I helped him in the fields, collected firewood, and tended cattle. These experiences shaped my character. My mother, now 69, is my pillar of strength. I have an elder brother, a child specialist doctor in Arunachal, and a younger sister who is a lecturer.

Robin Hibu and his mother in his chair.

Q: What inspired you to join the IPS?
Robin Hibu: As a child, I always dreamed of wearing the uniform. After ranking first in the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services Exam in 1992, I cracked the UPSC in 1993. Although I qualified for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), I chose the IPS because of my passion for public service. Becoming the first graduate and IPS officer from my village was a proud moment.

Q: Can you share about your education?
Robin Hibu: I completed Class 12 (Arts) in 1987 at Higher Secondary School, Hong Village, followed by a BA in History Honours from Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat, in 1989. Later, I pursued an MA in Sociology at JNU, New Delhi, from 1989 to 1991. Though I started an MPhil, I couldn’t complete it due to my selection in the UPSC. My studies gave me the confidence to aim higher.

Q: How do you balance your family life with such a demanding career?
Robin Hibu: I married Gampi Hibu in 2000, and we have two children, Anna (8.5 years) and Abiyang (10 years). My wife often jokes about my obsession with work, especially helping people from the Northeast. Despite my busy schedule, I try to make time for my family.

Q: What are your hobbies and interests?
Robin Hibu: I enjoy playing badminton and reading inspiring books like Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. 

Q: Who are your favourite Bollywood and Hollywood actors?
Robin Hibu: Dilip Kumar (Shakti, 1982) and Jayaprada (Sargam, 1979) are my favourite Bollywood actors, while Keanu Reeves (Speed, 1994) and Sharon Stone are my Hollywood favourites.

Q: Who are your most admired personalities?
Robin Hibu: Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther have always inspired me.

Q: How did your role as the Nodal Officer for Northeast People in Delhi come about?
Robin Hibu: My role as the nodal officer began with the launch of Delhi Police’s Special Helpline for the Northeast (1093) on 14th February 2014. This helpline received over 13,47,000 logins and 12,000 likes by December 2014. It addresses issues faced by Northeast Indians in cities, from harassment to logistical support like sending deceased persons home. Since its inception, the helpline has logged over 1.3 million users and resolved numerous cases.

Q: How many distress calls do you handle daily?

Robin Hibu: I receive about 7–9 calls daily, both from within India and abroad, via WhatsApp, Facebook, email, and landlines. It’s overwhelming but fulfilling to help our people.

Q: How many Northeast police personnel serve in Delhi Police?
Robin Hibu: Currently, there are 41 police personnel from the Northeast – 33 men and 8 women.

Q: What is the role of the Northeast Cell? Does it have independent investigative power?
Robin Hibu: The cell, launched alongside the helpline, provides support and coordination for Northeast Indians in distress. While it primarily handles complaints and facilitates resolution, it collaborates with other agencies for investigations.

Q: How often do you repatriate deceased persons to the Northeast?
Robin Hibu: Too many. Every week or fortnight, we send deceased persons back home. Some are buried in Delhi if their families can’t arrange transport.

Q: What’s your most memorable achievement?
Robin Hibu: Beyond my awards, such as the President of India Police Medal (2010) and UN Peace Medals for service in Bosnia and Kosovo, the gratitude of those I’ve helped remains my greatest reward.

Q: What’s your advice to young people from the Northeast?
Robin Hibu: Work hard, dream big, and never give up. My father used to say, “There is no substitute for hard work.” These words guided me, and I hope they inspire others.

Profile of

Robin Hibu, IPS

Name: Robin Hibu
Rank: Joint Commissioner of Police / Inspector General of Police
Service: Indian Police Services (IPS), AGMUT Cadre, 1993

Awards:

• UN Awards: President of India Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2010), UN Peace Medals for services in Bosnia and Kosovo
• Gold Medals: Arunachal Pradesh (2003, 2009)
• Esprit-de-Corps Medal: Outstanding Leadership, Mussorie (LBSNAA)

Scholarships:

• Government of Arunachal Merit Scholarship
• CBSE Merit Scholarship
• Nehru Memorial Scholarship
• JRF, UGC, New Delhi

Qualifications:

• First Class, CBSE Secondary and High School
• History Honours (Topper), Arunachal University
• Master’s in Sociology, JNU, New Delhi
• Police Management (MPM), Hyderabad

UN Missions:

• Commander, UN Police, Kosovo
• Regional Coordinator, UN Mission, Bosnia

India-Based Roles:

• Assistant Commissioner, Delhi Police
• Superintendent of Police, Arunachal Pradesh
• Deputy Commissioner, Delhi Police
• Deputy Inspector General, Eastern Range
• Inspector General, Arunachal Pradesh
• Joint Commissioner, Delhi Police

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Robin Hibu's DAUGHTERS Shine at All India Open Karate Championship

*Bruce K. Thangkhal serves as the New Delhi-based Special Correspondent for The Mizoram Post, The Northeast Today, Satya Desh, Manipur Chronicle, and Zogam Today. He is also the Media Incharge of the North East Support Centre & Helpline.

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