Manipur: In response to the escalating security situation in Manipur, the Centre has ordered the deployment of 50 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), comprising over 5,000 personnel, to the northeastern state this week.
The decision comes after recent violence in the Jiribam district and its spread to other areas, increasing the need for enhanced security measures.
Of the newly deployed forces, 35 companies will be from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), while 15 companies will be from the Border Security Force (BSF), official sources confirmed. This brings the total number of CAPF companies stationed in Manipur to 218.
The deployment plan is being formulated in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Manipur state government. The reinforcements will be concentrated in regions that have reported the highest levels of violence, with the aim of strengthening security and restoring law and order.
CRPF Director General A.D. Singh, along with senior officials from other CAPFs, has already arrived in Manipur to oversee operations and assess the situation on the ground.
The move follows the earlier deployment of 20 CAPF companies after violence erupted in Jiribam and spread to other areas of the state. The violence, fueled by the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups from the hills, has intensified in recent weeks, particularly following the discovery of the bodies of women and children from the Meitei community, which has sparked widespread protests.
In light of the continuing unrest, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to chair a crucial meeting on Monday to review the security situation and discuss a comprehensive strategy to address the volatile environment in the state.
Additionally, the Centre has reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas, including Jiribam, where intense violence has been reported, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
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