What happened
The Central Reserve Police Force has instructed its units in Manipur to move only in armoured vehicles and to avoid sudden or unplanned deployments after recent ambushes on Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur and Nagaland. The force has also been told to act firmly against armed miscreants.
At least 100 armoured vehicles have recently been sent to Manipur. Two CoBRA battalions, which are meant for anti-Maoist operations, were inducted in June to intensify action against armed groups, dismantle bunkers, and recover weapons.
Background and earlier position
Manipur has remained under prolonged ethnic violence since 3 May 2023. The violence has killed 300 people and has shifted from a Kuki-Meitei conflict to wider Kuki-Naga tensions.
CoBRA personnel are being trained in crowd management because local residents, especially women, often obstruct security operations. Plans are being made to deploy CoBRA battalions in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul.
Related current affairs
- CRPF sub-inspector injured, two houses torched in clash between Manipur groups
- In a first, Manipur CM meets Zomi revolutionary group in impromptu meeting
- Two more arrested in Manipur over killing of six Nagas
- Stone-pelting, arson, teargas as mob targets Assam Rifles camp in Manipur
- Assam Rifles camp attacked, vehicles torched in Manipur
- Couple arrested in Manipur over killing of six Naga persons