Guwahati: Nearly 300 commandos from the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit have landed in Manipur, delivering the first major reinforcement to the state’s security grid.The Centre has approved sending two CoBRA battalions to the state. Currently, only the commandos of 210 Battalion, headquartered in Assam, has reached Manipur. The 207 Battalion, based in West Bengal, is likely to arrive shortly.Both battalions, earlier deployed in anti-Maoist operations, are credited with making Chhattisgarh Naxal-free.Their arrival comes at a volatile moment, with the ethnic conflict now engulfing all three of Manipur’s major communities and stretching the limits of local law-and-order machinery.Ahead of their operational deployment, which is expected very soon, CRPF director general GP Singh visited the CoBRA personnel in Imphal on Saturday.The CRPF stated on social media that the DG, while addressing the commandos, commended their stellar role in diverse operational theatres across India and emphasised the importance of conducting operations while caring for the sentiments of the local population wherever they operate.“He motivated the personnel to work with zeal and vigour to wipe out insurgency from Manipur,” the CRPF stated.Singh’s words carried a dual message — operational zeal must be matched with sensitivity. In a state where insurgency is deeply intertwined with ethnic identity and community grievances, the DG’s emphasis on empathy reflects a broader strategy of winning trust while conducting operations.As Manipur struggles to restore normalcy, the success of these operations will depend as much on tactical precision as on the ability to engage with local communities.
