The Union government has ordered the mobilization of 20 more paramilitary companies in Manipur, about 2,500 personnel, due to growing ethnic tensions.
The condition has become more severe in Manipur with rising tension and violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities and constant threats to attack the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It was done after liaising with individuals who know of increased volatility within the specified geographical area.
As per the information source, MHA decided to reinforce following the difficult conditions on the ground. Among these additional 20 companies, 15 will be a part of the CRPF, and the rest of the five companies will be from BSF. These forces will be deployed in zones considered ‘strategic’ where violence which has been volatile is most intense.
Ethnic clashes started in the country last year and forced over fifty thousand people out of their homes. In particular, a terrible act was recently committed: militants kidnapped a Meitei woman and her two daughters, along with three grandchildren, which only added to instability. This abduction came in the wake of one gruesome murder of a Hmar tribal woman in the Jiribam district. Police said that a Meitei militant group Arambai Tenggol militant, forcefully raped the woman and later killed her last Thursday.
Also, on Monday, a fierce encounter took place whereby at least 10 armed militants attacked a CRPF post and a police station, where displaced Meitei people were put up. These militants were said to be authorized village defense forces, but the police have dismissed this allegation. However, the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups continue hostilities and follow-up attacks against each other.
It has reached this height due to threats that have been given to the CRPF, where they have been told, in not so many words, not to venture out of their barracks or they will be killed.
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