CRPF DG Directs Neutralization of Armed Miscreants in Manipur
CRPF Director General G.P. Singh has issued a directive to security personnel in Manipur to "neutralise" miscreants found roaming with weapons in civilian areas, emphasizing the need for firm action to restore peace. This comes amidst ongoing ethnic violence and a significant recovery of looted weapons in the state. The DG assured full institutional support for all bona fide actions taken by personnel.
Key Highlights
- CRPF DG G.P. Singh ordered neutralization of armed miscreants.
- Directive applies to civilian areas in violence-hit Manipur.
- Force assured personnel of full support for legitimate action.
- Over 6,000 weapons looted since ethnic violence began in May 2023.
- Two CoBRA battalions deployed to combat armed groups.
- Manipur DGP echoed strong stance against armed individuals.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General G.P. Singh issued a stern directive to personnel deployed in Manipur, instructing them to "neutralise" miscreants found roaming with weapons in civilian areas. This significant statement, made during an interaction with CRPF personnel in Manipur around June 7, 2026, underscored the central government's intensified efforts to bring stability to the ethnically fractured northeastern state.
The DG's remarks were captured in a 6.05-minute video clip and subsequently reported by The Hindu, the original source of the article under verification. He conveyed that high-level discussions within the government anticipate a significant improvement in the situation in Manipur within the next 1 to 1.5 years. Singh unequivocally assured the CRPF personnel that they should not hesitate to use force against armed miscreants and that he, as the Director General, would protect all "bona fide actions" taken by them, relieving them of any concern regarding operational consequences.
Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and a substantial loss of life. More than 260 people have been killed since the conflict began, and over 60,000 have been displaced. A critical aspect of the security challenge has been the looting of a large number of weapons and ammunition from police armouries. Reports indicate that over 6,000 police weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition were stolen following the eruption of violence, significantly exacerbating the law and order situation.
In response to the escalating violence and the persistent presence of armed groups, the CRPF, one of the largest Central forces operating in Manipur, has significantly augmented its deployment. This includes the induction of two battalions of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), a specialized unit initially raised for anti-Maoist operations, to undertake specific operations against armed miscreants in the state. These elite commandos, comprising approximately 2,000 personnel, are tasked with operations focusing on the seizure of illegal arms and ammunition, demolition of bunkers used by armed groups, identification of ambush points, and area domination.
The deployment and the DG's directive are part of a broader strategy to restore lasting peace. The CRPF has also implemented a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for its personnel in Manipur, mandating the use of bulletproof vehicles and advising against stray movements, particularly after recent ambushes on Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur and Nagaland. About 100 armoured vehicles have been sent to Manipur in recent months to enhance the safety of security forces.
The state's Director-General of Police (DGP), Mukesh Singh, echoed the CRPF DG's strong stance, stating a week after the CRPF chief's remarks that security forces would retaliate if attacked with firearms. He emphasized that individuals carrying weapons and attempting to incite unrest would face strict action in self-defense. The DGP also highlighted that approximately 70% of the weapons looted during the initial phase of the ethnic violence had been recovered.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla also reiterated the CRPF's increasingly pivotal role in maintaining law and order in Manipur, commending the force for its contributions to curbing violence and securing shelters for displaced individuals. The efforts reflect a comprehensive approach from the Centre, involving enhanced area domination, mobilization of additional troops, and close monitoring by senior officials to bring back normalcy to Manipur. The deployment of over 60,000 personnel from the Army, Assam Rifles, and other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) underscores the gravity of the situation and the scale of the security operation in the state.
The directive from DG G.P. Singh signifies a firm resolve to address the ongoing armed violence and prevent miscreants from operating freely in civilian areas, aiming to create a more secure environment for the residents of Manipur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main directive issued by the CRPF DG in Manipur?
CRPF Director General G.P. Singh directed security personnel in Manipur to "neutralise" miscreants found roaming with weapons in civilian areas to restore law and order amid ongoing ethnic violence.
Why was this directive issued in Manipur?
The directive was issued in the context of persistent ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023, and the significant challenge posed by thousands of weapons looted from police armouries, now in civilian hands.
What assurances were given to the CRPF personnel regarding this directive?
DG G.P. Singh assured the personnel of full institutional support for any "bona fide action" taken in the line of duty, emphasizing that the responsibility for operational consequences would rest with the leadership.
What other measures are being taken by security forces in Manipur?
In addition to the directive, two battalions of elite CoBRA commandos have been deployed, and CRPF units have been instructed to use bulletproof vehicles and avoid stray movements. The Manipur DGP also affirmed that security forces would retaliate in self-defense against armed attackers.
What is the overall situation of violence and weapons recovery in Manipur?
Manipur has seen over 260 deaths and 60,000 displacements since May 2023. Over 6,000 police weapons were looted, though the Manipur DGP stated that approximately 70% of these have since been recovered.