India Deploys Elite CoBRA Battalions to Combat Manipur Violence

The Government of India is deploying two battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force's elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) to Manipur to combat ongoing ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the movement of battalion 207 from West Bengal and battalion 210 from Assam to conduct specialized jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations against armed groups.

This strategic reallocation follows the reported end of Maoist violence in India in March, which reduced the need for CoBRA's specialized tactics in Left-Wing Extremism theaters. The deployment aims to stabilize a region where more than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since May 2023. Officials indicated that additional units may also be moved to Jammu and Kashmir.

The security surge coincides with a leadership change in the state police, as Mukesh Singh assumed charge as the Director General of Police of Manipur. Tensions have recently escalated following a May 13 ambush that killed three Thadou tribe church leaders, leading to mutual accusations of abductions and the imposition of economic blockades on national highways by Kuki and Naga groups. The National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation into several missing persons resulting from these clashes.