IMPHAL | The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of two battalions of the elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Manipur, marking a significant step in the Centre’s efforts to strengthen security and restore normalcy in the conflict-affected state.

According to official sources, the 207 COBRA battalion based in West Bengal and the 210 COBRA battalion stationed in Assam will be deployed in Manipur in the coming weeks. The highly trained commandos are expected to undertake targeted operations against armed groups involved in violence and activities that threaten peace and public order.

The deployment comes amid continuing efforts by the Centre and security agencies to stabilise the situation in Manipur, which has witnessed prolonged ethnic unrest since May 2023. Clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have claimed more than 260 lives and dis placed thousands of residents, creating one of the most serious internal security challenges in the Northeast in recent years.

Senior security officials said the specialised units would focus on intelligence-driven operations aimed at neutralising armed elements responsible for disturbing peace in the state. The move forms part of a broader strategy to reinforce counter-insurgency capabilities and strengthen law enforcement operations on the ground.

COBRA, the CRPF’s specialised jungle warfare force, was raised in 2008-09 primarily to combat Left Wing Extremism and insurgent activities across various regions of the country, including parts of the Northeast. The force comprises ten battalions, each consisting of around 1,000 commandos trained in guerrilla warfare, jungle combat, intelligence-based operations and anti-insurgency tactics.

Over the years, COBRA units have played a key role in anti-Naxal campaigns across central India, conducting several successful operations that significantly weakened Maoist networks and reduced insurgent violence in affected states.

Officials noted that the sharp decline in Maoist-related violence has enabled the redeployment of some COBRA formations to address emerging security challenges in other parts of the country. Apart from Manipur, security agencies are also examining the possibility of deploying one or more COBRA battalions in Jammu and Kashmir for specialised operations in the future.

Security experts believe the induction of the elite commandos will enhance operational effectiveness, improve intelligence-led interventions and provide additional support to ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability in Manipur.

The latest deployment underscores the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the security apparatus in the state and ensuring a conducive environment for reconciliation, rehabilitation and long-term peace-building initiatives.

Nalbari Youth Killed, Teen Girl Critical; Police Probe Motive Amid Rising Tensions A fatal roadside attack in Assam’s Nalbari district has triggered widespread outrage and heightened tensions after a 19-year-old youth was killed and an 18-year-old girl was critically injured late on the night of May 30.The deceased has been identified as Madhurjya Barman (19), a resident of Balipathar in Chamata and the Assistant General Secretary of the West Nalbari Regional Students’ Union.

The injured girl, Mridumudra Deka (18) of Gangapur, is un dergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors have described her condition as critical. According to preliminary reports, the two were travelling on a scooter and returning home from Nalbari town when they were allegedly attacked near Gangapur under Mukalmua.

Local sources claimed that two individuals, identified as Roz Ali and Ashik Ali, were allegedly involved in the assault. Residents discovered the victims lying on the roadside with severe injuries. Barman succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Deka was rushed to a nearby medical facility before being referred to GMCH for advanced treatment.

The incident has sent shockwaves across Nalbari district, prompting demands for swift action against those responsible. Several local organisations and residents have called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to the attack.