Imphal | The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has provided specialised law-and-order and crowd-control training to personnel of its elite Commando Battalions for Resolute Action (CoBRA) deployed in Manipur, signalling a major operational shift for a force traditionally tasked with anti-Maoist operations.

Officials said personnel from two CoBRA battalions underwent a month-long pre-induction training programme before their deployment in the violence-affected state. The training focused on crowd management, law-and-order duties and handling the complex security environment arising from Manipur’s prolonged ethnic conflict.

The two battalions were moved to Manipur in May after being redeployed from anti-Naxal operations. Their reassignment followed the Centre’s announcement in March that India had effectively become Naxal-free, enabling specialised units to be redirected to other internal security challenges.

As part of the deployment strategy, CoBRA personnel have been instructed to strictly follow standard operating procedures, avoid unsanctioned movement and maintain close coordination with the Manipur Police and the Indian Army during operations.

To bolster mobility and operational readiness, the CRPF has also deployed around 100 armoured vehicles across the state. Officials said the vehicles are being used for patrols, rapid-response missions and troop movement in sensitive areas, while also providing enhanced protection to security personnel.

The CoBRA units, working alongside regular CRPF formations, have been tasked with maintaining law and order, conducting area domination exercises, dismantling insurgent infrastructure and preventing armed groups from regrouping. In one such operation in June, CRPF-led forces demolished 30 active bunkers in Leimakhong area of Kangpokpi district.

Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023. The conflict has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of residents, leading to the deployment of large numbers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across the state.

Officials said nearly 320 companies of CAPFs are currently stationed in Manipur, including around 200 companies of the CRPF, making it one of the largest security deployments in the country.

Raised in 2008-09 as a specialised anti-Maoist force, CoBRA gained prominence through intelligence-driven jungle warfare operations against Left Wing Extremist groups. With Maoist violence significantly reduced across India, the elite commandos are now being deployed in emerging internal security theatres, including Manipur, where restoring stability remains a key priority.

Meanwhile, CRPF officials said the force has started withdrawing around 60 companies from West Bengal following the completion of Assembly election duties, though nearly 40 companies will continue to remain deployed in the state.