The Centre has ordered the deployment of two battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force’s elite jungle warfare unit, CoBRA, in Manipur for operational duties amid continuing security concerns in the strife-hit state.
Officials said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a proposal of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to move two CoBRA battalions-207, based in West Bengal, and 210, stationed in Assam, to Manipur over the coming weeks.
The decision comes as authorities continue efforts to restore lasting peace in Manipur, where over 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since ethnic violence erupted between Meitei groups in the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo communities in the surrounding hill districts in May 2023.
A senior security officer said the units would be deployed for “specific operations against armed groups that undertake violence in Manipur”, adding that their movement would take place in a phased manner.
CoBRA, or Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, was raised by the CRPF in 2008–09 to tackle Left Wing Extremism and insurgency-related violence. The force currently has ten battalions, each comprising around 1,000 highly trained commandos specialising in jungle warfare and guerrilla tactics.
Officials said the redeployment has been made possible as the operational intensity in the Left Wing Extremism theatre has reduced, with remaining tasks largely focused on the detection and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices and area security. This has allowed the diversion of specialised units to other active conflict zones, including Manipur.
Sources also indicated that further redistribution of CoBRA units is under consideration, including possible deployment in Jammu and Kashmir for full-fledged operations at a later stage.
Also read: Transporters in Manipur suspend ops after militants kill driver
Five kutcha houses gutted in arson, none injured
Five kutcha houses were gutted in arson in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after suspected armed miscreants attacked a Kuki-Zo village, while no casualties were reported, police said on Sunday.
The incident occurred at Kharam Vaiphei village on Saturday. Police said armed miscreants opened fire before resorting to arson, setting fire to multiple houses. Security forces were deployed immediately and brought the situation under control.
Locals, however, alleged that armed persons from another tribal community carried out the attack, setting houses ablaze before fleeing the area.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), an apex body of Kuki tribes in the state, condemned the incident and demanded a fair investigation to identify and punish those responsible. It also urged authorities to take urgent steps to prevent escalation and ensure civilian safety.
Police rejected social media allegations targeting the district Superintendent of Police, calling them “baseless”, “grossly false” and not supported by facts. Authorities also warned of legal action against those spreading misinformation online.
Clashes between armed groups of Naga and Kuki-Zo communities have also been reported since February this year. The state continues to remain tense after ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023, which has left over 260 people dead and displaced thousands.
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