The MHA has been working to maximize the presence of CAPFs across the nation...........
Digital desk: The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been instructed to remove almost 5,000 of its men from Manipur by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The two Lok Sabha seats in the violence-hit State will witness polling on April 19 and April 26.
According to a senior government official, the MHA issued an order for the 50 companies of CAPFs—each with about 100 personnel—to be pulled out of the violent State. These companies consist mainly of personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
On May 3, 2023, ethnic violence broke out throughout the State, leading to many deaths, burning, police armory looting, and thousands of people being forced to flee their homes. At least 200 people have died as a result of the ethnic conflicts between the Kuki-Zo tribe and the predominantly Meitei society.
In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, which begins on April 19 and will take place in seven phases through June 1, the MHA has been working to maximize the presence of CAPFs across the nation.
Following the outbreak of violence in Manipur, over 36,000 personnel of the Indian Army and the CAPFs were stationed there. A significant portion of these troops were stationed in the "buffer zones" that separate the Meitei-dominated Valley areas from the Kuki-Zo-inhabited hill districts. This was done to prevent mutual attacks between the armed organizations from both communities.
According to the official, the police will have to work with the limited resources provided and ensure a smooth election.
