New Delhi: The central government on Monday ordered the deployment of 50 additional Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies, totalling over 5,000 personnel, to Manipur as the security and law-and-order situation in the state continues to worsen. The decision was taken after Union home minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting with senior officials in the Delhi over the situation in Manipur.
The decision follows the earlier deployment of 20 CAPF companies after violence erupted in Jiribam district last week, spreading to other areas. The new deployment includes 35 units from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 15 from the Border Security Force (BSF), raising the total number of CAPF units in Manipur to 218.
Senior officials, including CRPF Director General A D Singh, are currently in the state to oversee the deployment and strategise responses to the escalating violence. A detailed plan is being devised to station these additional units in areas experiencing the highest levels of unrest.
Protester killed amid clashes in Jiribam
Tensions in Jiribam intensified after a protester was killed in a clash with security forces on Sunday night. The deceased, identified as K Athouba, was part of a group vandalising properties in the Babupara area. According to reports quoting eyewitnesses, he was shot by security personnel, but police have not yet confirmed who was responsible.
The unrest led to the ransacking of local political offices, including those of the BJP and Congress, as well as the residence of an Independent MLA. Furniture and documents were set ablaze in protest against the recent killing of women and children abducted by militants from a relief camp.
NIA takes over cases linked to recent violence
Since May 2023, Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups in the surrounding hills. Over 220 people have been killed, and thousands displaced, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The violence has intensified in recent days, with armed groups attacking security posts and abducting civilians. Last week, the MHA reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam.
Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over three cases linked to recent violence, including the murder of a woman and attacks on security posts. The cases, which were originally filed by Manipur Police, were registered by the anti-terror agency on November 13 and the investigation into these cases has begun.
Congress critisises Centre, Biren govt
The Congress has strongly criticised the central and state governments, calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state and demanding the resignation of Amit Shah and Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of neglecting Manipur, stating, “Manipur is burning, but the Prime Minister has not visited even once. This is a complete failure of the double-engine government.”
Rahul Gandhi also criticised the BJP, alleging vested interests in allowing the violence to continue. He called for immediate action to address what he described as a humanitarian crisis.
Earlier on Sunday, NPP withdrew its support to NDA govt in the state.
