New Delhi: In response to the escalating security challenges in Manipur, the Union Home Ministry has decided to deploy an additional 50 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising over 5,000 personnel, to the northeastern state this week. The move comes in the wake of continued ethnic violence and unrest, particularly after clashes erupted in Jiribam district and spread to other regions of the state.
Earlier, the Centre had already sent 20 additional CAPF companies—15 from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 5 from the Border Security Force (BSF)—on November 12, following the outbreak of violence. With this new deployment, the total number of CAPF personnel in Manipur will rise to 218 companies.
According to official sources, of the additional 50 companies, 35 units will be drawn from CRPF, while the remainder will come from BSF. The deployment is part of a dynamic security strategy, with the CAPF units being stationed in areas based on the severity of violence and law-and-order requirements. This plan is being developed in consultation with the Manipur state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei community, based in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo groups, predominantly located in the adjoining hills, has led to widespread unrest since May 2023. The violence has resulted in over 220 deaths and displaced thousands, creating a fragile and volatile situation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to hold a critical meeting on Monday to review the security situation in Manipur and discuss strategies to restore peace. The Home Ministry has directed all security forces deployed in the state to take necessary measures to curb violence and bring stability.
The MHA has also taken strict action against armed miscreants from both communities involved in the violence. In a bid to restore order, the Centre on Thursday reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six police station areas in Manipur, including the violence-hit Jiribam district.
