By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Central Government has approved the deployment of two battalions of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), the specialized combat wing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), to Manipur as part of efforts to reinforce security and support the restoration of peace in the violence-hit state.
Officials said the decision was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs in view of the continuing security challenges in Manipur, where ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have persisted since May 2023. The conflict has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of residents.
As part of the deployment plan, the 207 CoBRA Battalion, currently stationed in West Bengal, and the 210 Battalion from Assam will be shifted to Manipur in a phased manner over the coming weeks. The specialised units are expected to undertake focused operations in vulnerable and sensitive areas to curb the activities of armed groups and improve the overall security environment.
Established by the CRPF in 2008-09, CoBRA was primarily designed to tackle Left Wing Extremism and insurgency-related threats. The force is known for its proficiency in jungle warfare, intelligence-driven missions and counter-insurgency operations, having played a key role in anti-Naxal campaigns across the country.
Security officials noted that with Maoist-related violence declining in several regions, some CoBRA units are now available for redeployment to areas facing other security challenges. The move is seen as part of the Centre’s broader strategy to strengthen law and order and assist ongoing efforts to restore stability in Manipur.
Currently comprising ten battalions of highly trained personnel, CoBRA remains one of the country’s most specialised security forces. Officials indicated that similar deployments could be considered in other strategically important regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, depending on future operational requirements.
The arrival of the two battalions is expected to provide an additional boost to security operations and support confidence-building measures aimed at fostering peace among communities affected by the prolonged unrest in Manipur.
