Central government acts on public demand, Deploys two CRPF battalions to restore stability
Two Assam Rifles units in Manipur have been replaced by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions as part of the central government’s efforts to restore peace in the state. BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh stated that this move aligns with the wishes of the people of Manipur. Singh, son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, welcomed the decision, highlighting that central forces would now work to ensure peace and stability in the region.
In a post on X, Singh said, “The phasing out of the two Assam Rifles units from Manipur is welcomed by the people. The central government has initiated this as per the wishes and desires of the people of Manipur. The people will welcome more such stringent measures to halt this violence.”
The move follows a statement from Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, who confirmed the withdrawal of the 9 and 22 Assam Rifles battalions from Manipur. They are being replaced by two CRPF battalions, numbering around 2,000 personnel. According to government sources, battalion 58 is being deployed from Telangana to Churachandpur, while battalion 112 is being sent from Jharkhand.
The withdrawal of Assam Rifles has sparked protests from the Kuki-Zomi tribe, who took to the streets in Kangpokpi, opposing the removal of the battalions. Meanwhile, Singh had earlier written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning the effectiveness of the 60,000 central forces currently stationed in the state, describing them as “mute spectators.”
Manipur has been in turmoil since May last year, when ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities erupted. The unrest, triggered by a Tribal Solidarity March protesting the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, has claimed 226 lives, left 1,500 injured, and displaced over 60,000 people.