New Delhi: As the security situation worsens in ethnic strife-torn Manipur, central forces deployed for anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas are being diverted to the northeastern state to strengthen security, ThePrint has learnt.
Sources in the security establishment told ThePrint that the move comes following a high-level meeting held by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that took stock of the security situation in Manipur.
A battalion of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) that was stationed in Bihar and five companies of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are being deployed in Manipur, they said.
CRPF’s 205 CoBRA Battalion, based in Gaya, with a strength of more than 500 personnel, along with five companies of ITBP, comprising of over 500 personnel, are also being sent as part of the reinforcement, multiple sources confirmed.
It was also confirmed that CoBRA personnel to be deployed in Jiribam district, along the Manipur-Assam border, have reached Manipur. National Highway 37, which connects Imphal to Silchar, passes through the district.
The move will mark a significant increase in the deployment of central forces in the ethnic conflict-hit state. It comes in addition to the existing companies from two CoBRA battalions deployed in May-June, following the escalation of tensions between Naga and Kuki groups.
“One more battalion of CoBRA is being deployed in Manipur. This would be the third battalion to be deployed,” a source said. “The ops units are deployed according to the requirement and since they are needed in Manipur at present, they are being sent there,” the source added.
According to a source in the security establishment, the decision to deploy CoBRA personnel was taken because of their specialised training in jungle warfare and operations deep inside forests.
“Looking at the fragile situation in the state, it was decided that CoBRA deployment be reinforced in the region. These personnel are experts in conducting operations deep inside jungles without returning to their base for weeks,” the source said.
To a question on whether operations were planned in Manipur’s interior areas to flush out militant groups, the source did not respond.
The CoBRA personnel are undergoing pre-induction training, the source said. “They are all highly trained, but they need to undergo specific training as this is a new sector for them. So, currently they are undergoing that training.”
A second source in the security establishment said the plan is to divert forces from anti-Naxal operations to the Northeast, particularly Manipur, because of the volatile security situation. As part of the reinforcement, five additional ITBP companies are also being deployed there.
“Five companies were already at the northeast frontier. Five more are being sent to the state because of the security situation,” the source said.
(Edited by Tony Rai)