New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to deploy elite CoBRA commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Manipur as security agencies respond to renewed tensions and sporadic incidents reported in parts of the state’s hill districts.
The decision follows recent friction between Kuki and Naga groups in certain areas, prompting heightened vigilance and a reassessment of the security situation. Authorities believe the induction of the specialised force will strengthen efforts to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, popularly known as CoBRA, is the CRPF’s highly trained jungle warfare unit. Established to combat insurgency and Maoist violence, the force has built a formidable reputation through years of operations in some of the country’s most challenging terrains.
Senior CRPF leadership has been closely monitoring preparations for the deployment. During a recent visit to Manipur, top officials reviewed the security environment, interacted with personnel and assessed operational requirements. Emphasis was placed on restoring law and order and ensuring a strong response to any attempts to disturb peace in the region.
Security officials maintain that adaptability remains one of CoBRA’s greatest strengths. Before being fully inducted, personnel will undergo familiarisation and pre deployment training tailored to Manipur’s unique geographical and operational conditions. Their extensive experience in jungle warfare and counter insurgency operations is expected to prove valuable in the state’s complex security landscape.
The deployment comes shortly after the Centre declared significant success in its long running campaign against Left Wing Extremism. CoBRA units played a crucial role in several major anti Maoist operations across central India, earning recognition for their effectiveness in difficult combat environments.
One of the force’s notable achievements was a major operation in a Maoist stronghold that resulted in the elimination of several senior insurgent leaders without any casualties among security personnel involved in the main action. Over the years, CoBRA units have also contributed to numerous arrests, surrenders and the dismantling of extremist networks.
With their arrival in Manipur, authorities hope the battle hardened commandos will help reinforce stability, strengthen security operations and support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the sensitive hill regions of the state.
