In a major step aimed at strengthening security and supporting peace-building efforts in Manipur, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of two battalions of the elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the state.According to official sources, the two battalions selected for deployment are 207 COBRA, currently based in West Bengal, and 210 COBRA, stationed in Assam. The specialised units are expected to begin operational duties in Manipur in the coming weeks. Security officials said the commandos will carry out targeted operations against armed groups involved in violence and activities that threaten peace and public order. The deployment forms part of a broader strategy by the Centre to strengthen security measures and assist efforts to restore normalcy in the state.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 2023, primarily involving the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The conflict has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of people from their homes. Despite several rounds of security operations and peace initiatives, tensions have continued in some areas. A senior security official said the COBRA units have been tasked with conducting focused and intelligence-based operations against armed elements operating in the state. The official noted that the force’s expertise in counter-insurgency and jungle warfare would help strengthen ongoing security operations.
COBRA is a specialised unit of the CRPF that was raised in 2008-09 to tackle Left Wing Extremism and insurgency. The force consists of ten battalions, each comprising around 1,000 highly trained personnel. COBRA commandos are known for their skills in intelligence-led operations, guerrilla warfare, jungle combat and anti-insurgency missions. Over the years, the force has played a key role in anti-Naxal operations across several states and has been credited with weakening Maoist activities through sustained operations in difficult terrain.
