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Centre Deploys Two CoBRA Battalions in Manipur to Strengthen Security Operations

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
  • May 31, 2026
  • 47

The Union Government has decided to station two battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force’s elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) in Manipur to strengthen security operations in the violence-affected state, according to official sources.

Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic unrest since May 2023, with clashes between members of the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities resulting in over 260 deaths and the displacement of thousands of residents. Both the state administration and the Centre have been pursuing measures aimed at restoring normalcy and ensuring lasting peace.

Officials stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has cleared a proposal submitted by the CRPF for the deployment of CoBRA battalions 207 and 210, presently headquartered in West Bengal and Assam respectively. These units are expected to be assigned specialised operational responsibilities in Manipur.

Security authorities indicated that the commandos will focus on tackling armed elements involved in violent activities across the state. Preparations are underway for the phased movement of the personnel, with deployment likely to be completed in the coming weeks.

The CoBRA force was established by the CRPF during 2008–09 as a dedicated commando wing trained in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations. It was initially created to combat Left Wing Extremism in several parts of the country while also supporting operations against insurgent groups in the Northeast.

At present, the specialised force consists of ten battalions, most of which have been engaged in anti-Naxal campaigns across central and eastern India. A typical battalion comprises nearly 1,000 highly trained commandos.

The Home Ministry has previously acknowledged CoBRA’s effectiveness in conducting intelligence-led operations deep inside forested regions, using advanced guerrilla warfare techniques against Maoist groups. Such operations significantly contributed to the weakening of armed Maoist activity in the country.

Officials noted that anti-Naxal operations have now largely shifted toward area domination, security duties and the detection of hidden improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In view of the changing security scenario, the CRPF has begun considering the redeployment of some of its specialised units to other sensitive regions, including Manipur.

Sources further revealed that regular CRPF formations and other CoBRA battalions remain capable of handling residual security challenges in former Maoist strongholds. Discussions are also underway regarding the possible deployment of one or two CoBRA units in Jammu and Kashmir for future counter-insurgency assignments, although no final decision has yet been announced.

Readers can visit the official websites of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for updates on security operations, counter-insurgency initiatives, and government measures aimed at restoring peace and stability in Manipur. These sources provide authentic information on CoBRA units, CRPF activities, and internal security developments across India.

For more updates on security developments, Northeast affairs, counter-insurgency operations, and national news, visit The Tripura Post, a digital news platform covering Tripura, the Northeast, India, and international events with regular ground reports and analysis