Elite CoBRA Commandos Retrained for Manipur Crowd Control Duty

Imphal: The Central Reserve Police Force moved two Commando Battalions for Resolute Action to Manipur. These elite units swapped jungle warfare against Maoists for crowd control duties. The change followed the Centre declaring India Naxal-free last March. Officials confirmed a month-long pre-induction program prepared the commandos for complex ethnic security challenges.

Personnel must follow strict standard operating procedures. They operate alongside the Manipur Police and the Indian Army to keep the peace. The CRPF deployed 100 armoured vehicles to aid movement and protect troops. Force officials stated the goal is to stabilize the area, noting, "The CoBRA units, along with regular CRPF personnel, have been tasked with maintaining peace, dismantling insurgent bunkers and preventing armed miscreants from regrouping."

The force destroyed 30 bunkers in June at Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district. Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023 caused over 260 deaths. Thousands remain displaced. Currently, 320 companies of Central Armed Police Forces guard the state. The CRPF provides nearly 200 of these companies. Meanwhile, the CRPF started pulling 60 companies from West Bengal after election duty, keeping 40 in that state.