Manipur: 30 more CRPF companies rushed in as Kangpokpi shutdown goes on

The Centre is sending substantial reinforcements to Manipur as the state deals with a fresh run of violent incidents, while a 48-hour shutdown called over the alleged abduction of two Kuki youths continues in Kangpokpi district.

Reinforcements on the way

According to sources quoted by The Tribune, 30 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), along with one company each of its CoBRA commando unit and the Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been dispatched to Manipur. More companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are also being sent.

These units add to what is already one of the largest security deployments in the country. The same sources put the existing strength at 206 CRPF companies, two CoBRA companies and around 250 BSF companies in the state.

CRPF Director General GP Singh recently reviewed the force's operational preparedness and directed officers and ground commanders to maintain peace and security in their areas of responsibility.

48-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi

In Kangpokpi, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has called a total shutdown from 5 pm on October 29 to 5 pm on October 31.

The shutdown follows the alleged abduction of two youths from Taphou Kuki village, identified as Tinginlun Chongloi and Paoginlal Hangsing. CoTU has demanded their immediate, safe and unconditional release and urged the state government to act quickly to secure it.

The organisation has accused the government and security forces of treating incidents involving Kuki-Zo people differently, alleging swift rescue and combing operations in some cases but delays in others. It has warned that its agitation will intensify if the two youths are not returned unharmed. Officials have not publicly responded to the allegation.

Tension in Thoubal

Security forces are also stationed in Thoubal district, where the killing of 23-year-old Rakesh Laishram during stone-pelting between the neighbouring villages of Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham on October 18 was followed by arson. Police have registered a case and arrested three people. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited both villages on Wednesday and assured residents that a peace meeting would be called soon.

The bigger picture

Manipur has been in turmoil since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. Clashes between communities have left around 360 people dead and about 60,000 displaced over three years, according to figures cited by the Hindustan Times.

The latest deployment is aimed at preventing a repeat of large-scale violence as tensions rise in several districts at once. NEInsider will update this story as more information becomes available.