IMPHAL, Nov 22: In response to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the Centre will deploy over 10,000 more soldiers, increasing the total number of central force companies in the state to 288, Manipur’s Chief Security Adviser, Kuldiep Singh, told reporters on Friday, during a press conference in Imphal.
The new deployment consists of 90 additional companies, amounting to approximately 10,800 personnel. “We are receiving 90 companies of forces, and a significant portion has already arrived in Imphal,” Singh said. “The troops are being strategically distributed to safeguard civilian lives and properties while monitoring vulnerable areas and key locations.”
Singh assured that all regions would be covered soon. “We have implemented foolproof arrangements. Coordination cells and joint control rooms are being established in every district, and we have reviewed those already operational,” he added.
Since the violence erupted in May 2023, 258 people have died, according to Singh. He also revealed that security forces have recovered nearly 3,000 weapons that were looted from police armouries during the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
The intensified operations in Manipur involve the collective efforts of multiple security agencies, including the police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). “All forces are working together to address the challenges in Manipur. Any issue that arises is managed collaboratively,” Singh emphasized, adding that ongoing operations are targeting the areas most affected by unrest.
Additionally, a new standard operating procedure (SOP) will be introduced to strengthen the security of fringe areas and national highways.
The violence in the state intensified following the alleged killing of a Hmar woman, a mother of three, by suspected Meitei militants in Zairawn village, Jiribam, on November 7. In retaliation, Kuki militants launched an attack on Borobekra, Jiribam, on November 11, leading to the dead of 10 militants in an encounter with the CRPF.
