Manipur to intensify operations: Konthoujam

Manipur’s home minister Govindas Konthoujam on Sunday hinted at intensified operations to flush out armed groups of any community and curb illegal activities in the restive state, while also announcing measures to confine cadres of ceasefire groups to designated camps.
Addressing a press conference at the chief minister’s secretariat, the minister said specialised counter-insurgency forces would be deployed in Manipur following the return of central forces currently engaged in election duties in West Bengal. He said the government was committed to restoring law and order and would act against armed groups disturbing peace and tranquillity. The minister’s statement comes amid heightened tensions following recent incidents, including an RPG attack that killed two children in Bishnupur district and the killing of two civilians, including an ex-soldier, in an ambush in Ukhrul district.
Konthoujam revealed that the state was facing a shortfall of security personnel due to withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for election duties. Of the 272 CAPF companies deployed after the outbreak of violence in May 2023, 88 were withdrawn, leaving 184 in the state. He said the Centre had agreed not to withdraw an additional 15 companies after the state government raised concerns. He added that once the elections in West Bengal conclude on April 23 and 29, the withdrawn forces would be redeployed in Manipur. Additional specialised counter-insurgency units would also be sent to the state to strengthen operations.
The minister said mine-protected and bulletproof vehicles had already started arriving and would be utilised along with returning forces to maintain law and order, protect national highways and restore normalcy.
Appealing for calm, he urged the public to call off the ongoing five-day total shutdown imposed by Meira Paibis, local clubs and a Joint Action Committee (JAC) in protest against the killing of two children. He said the government was actively engaging with the JAC and victims’ families and that most of their demands had been agreed upon.
He also stated that steps were being taken for state forces to take over posts from central forces in the Tronglaobi Gelmol area, and compensation would be provided to families of those killed or injured in recent incidents, including those affected by CRPF firing. On security measures, Konthoujam said all unauthorised camps of armed groups under ceasefire or suspension of operations agreements in both hill and valley areas would be shut down within April. He added that cadres of such groups would be confined to designated camps, with necessary steps being taken in consultation with the groups and peace monitoring committees.
Regarding the Ukhrul ambush, he termed the incident “highly unfortunate” and said the government had held discussions with Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) leaders and MLAs from Naga-dominated areas, led by deputy chief minister Losii Dikho. He said compensation would be provided to the families of the deceased and assistance extended to the injured. Reiterating the government’s commitment, the minister appealed to all communities to cooperate in maintaining peace, stating that the administration remained dedicated to protecting life and property and restoring stability following a period of President’s Rule.