Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General G.P. Singh on Tuesday, 27 October conducted a series of high-level meetings in Imphal to assess the law and order situation in Manipur, according to officials. The visit underscores the Centre's continuing focus on stabilising a state that has been gripped by ethnic unrest since May 2023.

Inter-Force Security Review

Singh held an operational review meeting with Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, with senior leadership from both forces present. According to officials, the two DGs discussed security-related and operational aspects, with deliberations centred on strengthening inter-force synergy and joint operational readiness.

'The CRPF and the Assam Rifles DGs, joined by senior leadership from both forces, discussed various security-related and operational aspects. The deliberations focused on strengthening inter-force synergy and joint operational readiness, and they also reviewed the prevailing ground security scenario,' an official said. The two chiefs reportedly charted a cohesive roadmap to sustain peace and public order across Manipur.

Samvad with Ground Commanders

Earlier in the day, DG Singh addressed operational teams of the CRPF, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) battalions during a Samvad — an interactive session. He commended their dedication to restoring peace and tranquillity in the state, while emphasising professionalism and meticulous planning for future operations.

Singh also reviewed operational preparedness at the Group Centre in Imphal, where he received a ceremonial guard of honour. In a separate high-level review with senior officers and ground commanders, he 'issued firm directives to ensure peace and security across respective operational commands,' according to the official.

17 Suspected Militants Arrested in SoO Camp Crackdown

The visits come in the wake of a significant security operation. A Quick Action Team of the CRPF and CoBRA, working alongside Manipur Police, last week arrested 17 suspected militants belonging to two Kuki outfits at Sinai Camp in the hilly Kangpokpi District — a designated camp under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with the Centre in August 2008.

During a verification process, the 17 individuals were found to be impersonating registered SoO cadres using false identities. Of those arrested, eight allegedly impersonated Kuki National Army (KNA) cadres and nine impersonated Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) cadres. Security personnel also seized more than 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment, and other combat gear during the operation.

Broader Context

This is the latest in a series of high-level security reviews conducted by central forces in Manipur, which has witnessed ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The SoO framework, intended to keep militant groups in designated camps under agreed terms, has come under scrutiny following the identity fraud uncovered at Sinai Camp. Critics argue that oversight mechanisms within the SoO pact need urgent strengthening to prevent such infiltration.

With inter-force coordination now elevated and a fresh operational roadmap in place, the focus will be on whether the joint framework translates into measurable improvement in ground-level security across Manipur's volatile districts.