Centre to Deploy two CoBRA Battalions in Manipur
Officials said the units have been involved in intelligence-based jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations against Maoists
NEW DELHI: Amid fresh violence in Manipur, the Centre has ordered deployment of two battalions of the CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) for operational duties.
The move comes as efforts continue by the state administration and the Union government to restore peace following ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023, which has left over 260 people dead and thousands displaced.
Officials said the Union home ministry approved a proposal by the Central Reserve Police Force to deploy two CoBRA battalions, 207 from West Bengal and 210 from Assam, for operations in the state.
The units are expected to move to Manipur in the coming weeks and will undertake targeted operations against armed groups involved in violence, officials said.
CoBRA, raised by the CRPF in 2008-09, was tasked with tackling Left Wing Extremism across multiple states and insurgency in parts of the Northeast. The force currently has 10 battalions, primarily deployed in anti-Naxal operations, with each battalion comprising about 1,000 personnel.
Officials said the units have been involved in intelligence-based jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations against Maoists. With Left Wing Extremism activities now reduced largely to detection of improvised explosive devices and area security, the CRPF has planned redeployment of two CoBRA units to Manipur, where restoration of peace remains ongoing.
Officials added that other CoBRA and CRPF units would continue operations in Naxal-affected areas, and a decision on possible deployment of similar units to Jammu and Kashmir is under consideration.