Manipur Unrest: Additional 10,000 Troops Deployed Amid Escalating Violence

Manipur Unrest: 10,000 Troops Deployed Amid Violence

The centre is now sending over 10,000 additional soldiers to the violence hit state of Manipur, taking the total number of central force companies in the state to 288, as Manipur Chief Security Adviser, Kuldiep Singh revealed. Some 90 additional companies with around 10,800 personnel are being airlifted and deployed to quell agitation and restore normalcy in the state adjacent to Myanmar.

 Security Forces Mobilized Across the State

With the new forces arriving in Imphal, the state capital, security forces are being disbursed to keep vigil over vulnerable areas and safeguard the lives and property of the civilians. Mr. Singh underlined establishment of new coordination cells and joint control rooms in all districts to intensify efforts at law-enforcement levels. "We have made foolproof arrangements to ensure all areas are covered in the coming days," he said.

Violence and Loss of Lives

The death toll has crossed 258 since clashes broke out in May 2023 between the Meitei community and Kuki tribes. The stalemate worsened when the Hmar woman, reportedly killed by suspected Kuki militants in Jiribam on November 7, fuelled retaliation attacks by Kuki militants on Borobekra on November 11.  

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 Recovery of Looted Weapons

So far, security forces have recovered 3,000 weapons that have been looted from police armories during the initial clashing of violence. Coordination is on its way between several agencies, including the CRPF, BSF, Army, Assam Rifles, ITBP, and Sashastra Seema Bal. A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for securing fringe areas and national highways is being readied even as operations continue to counter emerging challenges. We are working together on every challenge, Mr. Singh said in a statement.

The additional troops and more stringent security measures reflect the government's intent towards regaining order in Manipur and saving its citizens' lives in the face of ethnic rivalries that continue to gain momentum.