India
In a bid to control the escalating ethnic violence in Manipur, the Centre has announced the deployment of 90 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). This will supplement the 198 companies already stationed in the state, bringing the total number of security personnel to over 280.
Kuldiep Singh, the state security advisor for Manipur, confirmed the update in a press conference, revealing that the ethnic clashes in the state have led to 258 deaths since May of last year. “Today, we held a comprehensive security review meeting with Army, police, CRPF, BSF, ITBP officials. We discussed the security situation in all districts and the Imphal city area,” Singh stated.
Increasing Force Presence to Maintain Peace
Singh emphasized that the additional 90 companies would bolster the state’s security efforts. “We are adding 90 more companies to the existing 198. A significant portion of this additional force has already arrived in Imphal,” he said, further reassuring the public that various law enforcement agencies are united in addressing the region’s security challenges.
Arrests and Weapon Recovery
The state security advisor also shared that 32 individuals have been arrested in connection with the recent vandalism and arson attacks on properties belonging to ministers and MLAs. Additionally, nearly 3,000 looted weapons have been recovered from various locations.
Property Looting and Legal Action
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also provided updates on the ongoing investigation into the looting of properties. Speaking on Friday, he confirmed that the authorities had identified the suspects involved in the looting and burning of ministerial properties during protests on November 16. “Some gangs, under the guise of a democratic movement, looted and set fire to the residences of ministers and MLAs. We’ve identified the suspects through CCTV footage, and appropriate legal actions have been initiated,” Singh stated, expressing his dismay at such actions.
Tensions Escalate as Security Forces Act
CM N Biren Singh also highlighted the critical role of security forces in preventing further escalation. He revealed that if not for the intervention of the CRPF, who took down 10 or 11 militants in Jiribam on November 11, a larger scale massacre could have occurred. “The militants were planning to overrun a relief camp in Borobekra and a police station, and had the CRPF not intervened, more than 100 civilians would have been killed,” he added.
The Path Forward
As tensions continue to rise in Manipur, the increased security presence, combined with ongoing legal and investigative efforts, aims to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed. The state and central authorities are committed to bringing stability to the region, even as ethnic violence persists in the wake of ongoing unrest.
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