More Central Forces Could Be Sent to Manipur After July 8 Bengal Panchayat Elections

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• Jun 28, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Violence-hit Manipur could get additional security personnel deployed in the coming weeks...

Digital Desk: Violence-hit Manipur could get additional security personnel deployed in the coming weeks. Reportedly, the union ministry of home affairs (MHA) is positively considering Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh's proposal to send in more troops to the strife-torn state. Biren Singh made a request to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during their meeting on Sunday, sources said.

Since violence flared up, about 30,000 troops have been dispatched to Manipur.

Officials stated that paramilitary forces deployed in Bengal for the panchayat elections could be transferred to Imphal after the elections on July 8. So far, 337 central paramilitary companies have been dispatched to West Bengal. The CRPF has over 300 companies (approximately 30,000 personnel) in Bengal, whereas the BSF has about 100 companies (approximately 10,000 troops).

The MHA sought deployment information on Monday after the state election commission requested an additional 485 companies (about 49,000 troops).

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With its deployment in the Jammu and Kashmir hinterland, Bengal panchayat elections, and Chhattisgarh anti-Naxal operations, the CRPF, the lead police force for law and order duty, is feeling the strain. This year, the CRPF was relieved of its duties to guard the Amarnath cave shrine. ITBP has been handed the duty that the CRPF has been performing for years.

Manipur has seen the entire blockage of National Highway 2, which passes through Kuki-dominated Kangkopi. The CRPF has left NH-37 open for convoy movement, but officials say the longer route has resulted in higher transportation costs and, as a result, higher pricing for the essential goods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly stressed the importance of ensuring crucial supplies to hills and valleys during his review of the Manipur situation with Home Minister Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. "More forces may be required to first ensure that the national highways remain open and, second, that PDS shops become operational. Governance has currently come to a halt as employees have fled," an official said.

The Manipur government has ordered employees to report to work, but central government sources say it is unlikely that Kukis who previously worked or resided in Imphal will return until there is a sense of security.