Manipur: CRPF officers asked to oversee security forces, RAF deployed

At least five Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank officers and seven senior superintendent of police (SSP) and SP rank officers of the CRPF have been tasked to coordinate deployment of various security forces in violence-hit Manipur, official sources said.

The Centre has rushed in about 20 fresh companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the CRPF and the BSF, in the wake of the spiralling violence between tribals and the majority Meitei community leading to displacement of more than 9,000 people from their villages.

The induction of the CAPF units, apart from that of Army columns and Assam Rifles, is going on.

Also read: Manipur: Shoot-at-sight orders issued, 55 army columns deployed

High-ranking CRPF officers rushed

For this task, a total of five CRPF DIG-rank officers and seven other commanders in the rank of Commandant (SSP rank) and second-in-command (SP rank) have been placed at the disposal of the Additional Director General (ADG) of the north-east zone of the CRPF based in Guwahati, and the Inspector General of the Manipur and Nagaland located in Imphal, a senior officer told PTI.

Some of these senior officers are being rushed in from Delhi and Ranchi, he said.

A DIG of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the communication wing of the CRPF have also been sent to Manipur to specifically oversee the deployment of the anti-riot units, the officer said.

The deputy inspectors general (DIG) will be functioning at the existing CRPF stations in Manipur at Churachandpur, Imphal East and Imphal West while the Commandants will be based at Bishnupur, Kangpokpi and Tamenglong.

Working in tandem

They will coordinate and work in tandem with the state police, administration authorities and the newly-appointed security advisor Kuldiep Singh, who retired as the director general of the CRPF and NIA. Singh is a 1986-batch IPS officer from the West Bengal cadre.

Fifteen fresh CAPF companies have been airlifted through IAF planes to Imphal while few more have been asked to be in readiness, another officer said.

Guinfights reported

Gunfights have been reported between security forces and hill-based militants in various parts of the state, they said.

An official said members of the Kuki community have appealed to the state government machinery to ensure that CAPF and Army units are immediately sent to villages as many locals have taken shelter in nearby jungles after their houses were burnt.

The violence between majority Meiteis and tribals over demand of the former for ST status has displaced over 9,000 people from both communities.

Also watch: Why Manipur’s Kukis and Meiteis are at war, and how the violence is panning out

Nagaland govt contact numbers

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed that the Nagaland government has activated helpline numbers for the people from Nagaland presently in Manipur and Imphal City. Anyone requiring assistance may contact State Police Control Room at 0370-2242511. The fax number is 0370-2242512 and Whatsapp number is 08794833041. Contact can also be made through email — spcrkohima@gmail.com – and NSDMA numbers, 0370-2381122/ 2291123.

(With Agency inputs)