IMPHAL | The Manipur government has announced plans for extensive security operations across both hill and valley districts as authorities intensify efforts to curb violence, dismantle unlawful activities and secure the release of hostages caught in ongoing ethnic tensions.

The decision was reviewed during the second Monthly Review Meeting chaired by Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam at the New Secretariat in Imphal, where officials assessed the state’s security situation and the progress of the Indo-Myanmar border fencing project.

Addressing the meeting, Konthoujam said the government was actively engaged in negotiations to resolve a hostage crisis involving members of the Naga and Kuki communities. According to officials, six Naga men are currently being held captive by Kuki groups, while 14 Kuki individuals are reportedly in the custody of Naga groups.

“The government is making every effort to ensure their safe release, and we are hopeful of positive developments within the next two to three days,” the minister said.

As part of broader security measures, law enforcement agencies are preparing to launch large-scale search and combing operations in sensitive areas across the state. The proposed drives will target illegal activities, armed groups and individuals involved in acts that threaten public order.

The review meeting also discussed concerns surrounding the investigation into the abduction of Naga individuals. Responding to reports that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had not received relevant case documents from the state government, Konthoujam asserted that the necessary paperwork had already been forwarded.

“I personally signed the official document transferring the case to the NIA,” he said, describing the reported discrepancy as a communication gap and reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation.

The security review comes amid heightened efforts by both the state and central governments to stabilise the situation in Manipur. Earlier, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met Gyanendra Pratap Singh at Lok Bhavan in Imphal to assess the prevailing law-and-order situation and review deployment strategies.

Officials said the discussions focused on strengthening operational readiness, enhancing civilian security and addressing emerging threats in vulnerable areas.

In a significant reinforcement of security forces, the Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed two additional battalions of the elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) to Manipur. The specialised units, trained in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations, have been tasked with conducting targeted operations against armed groups operating in volatile and mixed-population districts.

The latest deployment adds to an already substantial security presence in the state. Officials noted that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) currently maintains between 12,000 and 15,000 personnel in Manipur, equivalent to more than 100 companies.

The reinforcement package also includes around 1,000 personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), supplementing nearly 10,000 personnel from the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles stationed across the state.