Manipur Still on the Edge, Centre Extends Central Forces’ Deployment Till June 30

The Central Armed Police Force dispatched by the Center and deployed in Manipur have now started making arrangements for a longer stay in the state after the Home Ministry on Friday extended the deployment of 114 CAPFs in the state till June 30. It is expected that the deployment will be extended further given the situation in the state.

Sources said earlier that the deadline until June 10, which was extended to this month, is still a tense situation. Three civilians were killed and two injured in the violence that took place on Friday near Sangithil district in the vicinity of Imphal West and Kangbokpi districts in the morning.

At present, 52 companies of CRPF, 10 Rapid Action Force, 43 BSF, 4 ITBP and 5 SSB are deployed in the state to maintain law and order. This week, the Federal Home Ministry has sent an additional 30 companies to Manipur as the situation has not yet stabilized.

A senior official stationed in Manipur said that the troops have started making arrangements to stay in the state for a longer period. The central forces were making arrangements by deploying officers to the special battalions. The officers will control and supervise these battalions. This will help the forces to coordinate with the local administration. Recently, the Central Reserve Police Force fielded approximately 20 deputy commanding officers and second-in-command officers, including half a dozen doctors.

“As we anticipate a deployment for a longer period that could last for months, we have started making arrangements for this. A list of all requirements has been put in place and soon, everything related to deployment and survival will be arranged for the force. The situation is still tense and reporting is still being done,” an ADG-ranked official told News18. about the victims.

Another Manipur police officer said the situation may take time as it requires a multidimensional approach adopted by the government. The officer said that the mere use of force would not be very helpful and that communication with local groups would be required to normalize the situation.

The forces and the Manipur administration succeeded in recovering 953 weapons, more than 13,500 ammunition and approximately 225 bombs from different regions. However, the total number of weapons recovered does not even account for 25 percent of the total number of weapons looted or stolen.

Troops have also set up temporary bases and the local administration will provide accommodation. Sources earlier said that provisional arrangements were made as the troops immediately rushed to Manipur.

Meanwhile, officials from CBI will visit multiple places in the state and meet people to investigate cases that have been handed over to the agency. The local administration transferred 11 officers from the Israel Prisons Service on Friday.