GUWAHATI: Two battalions of the Assam Rifles (AR) are set to be redeployed from Manipur to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to enhance counter-terrorism operations.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), under the ministry of home affairs (MHA), will assume security responsibilities in Manipur areas previously managed by the two Assam Rifle battalions.
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The two Assam Rifles battalions to be redeployed from Manipur to Jammu and Kashmir comprises approximately 1500 soldiers.
Despite this redeployment, the remaining Assam Rifles battalions will continue their dual roles in Manipur: focusing on counter-insurgency and border-guarding tasks.
Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting to evaluate the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir following a series of terror attacks.
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National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and union home minister Amit Shah were present at the meeting.
It may be mentioned here that Assam Rifles, known as the Sentinels of the Northeast, is among the most experienced counter-insurgency forces.
Assam Rifles operates under the administrative control of the MHA and the operational control of the Indian Army, guarding the 1600-km-long India-Myanmar border, including nearly 400 km in Manipur.
In Manipur, the Assam Rifles also serves as the primary counter-insurgency force, performing a dual-role function.
Former AR Director General Lieutenant General PC Nair (retired) recently addressed allegations of the Assam Rifles favouring one community over another in the ethnic violence-hit Manipur.
He dismissed these claims as “stupid reports” and ‘rumours’, asserting that the Assam Rifles has maintained a neutral stance since the onset of the conflict between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes in Manipur in May 2023.
Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera has since taken over as the new director general (DG) of Assam Rifles, succeeding Lt General Nair.
Manipur: Kuki-Zo orgs displeased over replacement of Assam Rifles in Churachandpur
The Centre’s decision to replace the 9th Assam Rifles battalion with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Churachandpur district of Manipur has sparked criticism from several groups.
Kuki-Zo women’s organizations have urged the government to reconsider the move, citing concerns about peace and stability in the violence-hit district.
“The Assam Rifles has a long and distinguished history of maintaining peace and neutrality in conflict zones. The 9th Assam Rifles Battalion has been tirelessly working to ensure stability and harmony between the two communities. Their deep understanding of local dynamics, cultural sensitivities, and the complex socio-political fabric of the region has been instrumental in preventing further escalation of violence and fostering an environment conducive to peace,” a statement read.
The groups argued that replacing the Assam Rifles battalion with the CRPF would be a strategic misstep and a grave injustice to the people of Churachandpur in Manipur.
They contended that, despite the CRPF’s commendable service nationwide, it lacked the specific experience and nuanced understanding required to manage the delicate situation in Manipur effectively.
The organizations expressed particular concern over the appointment of Deputy Inspector General (Operations) of CRPF, Premjit Huidrom, a Meitei.
They warned that his leadership could undermine the impartiality and trust needed to ensure the safety and security of all communities in Churachandpur district of Manipur.
“The move is particularly alarming due to its perceived sinister design. The appointment of Deputy Inspector General (Operations) of CRPF Premjit Huidrom, who is a Meitei, raises serious concerns among the Churachandpur communities. The district populace rightfully questions whether the CRPF, under his leadership, can be impartial and trusted to ensure the safety and security of all communities,” the statement continued.
The organizations cautioned that removing the Assam Rifles battalion could destabilize the fragile peace in the region and jeopardize residents’ safety.
They warned that if the government proceeded with this “ill-considered” decision, the civil society organizations of Churachandpur would not remain silent observers.
“We call upon the government to reconsider this decision in the interest of peace and stability in Churachandpur,” the statement further said.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) also criticized the decision, calling it “untimely” and potentially costly.
They argued that the Assam Rifles had earned the trust and respect of the hill people through years of effort and dedication, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“The Assam Rifles, after years of effort and dedication, won the hearts and minds of the hill people, which resulted in mutual respect and peaceful co-existence. The COCOMI (Meitei group Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity) and its cohorts could not bear to contain this mutual understanding and kept raising all possible allegations against Assam Rifles. It is lamentable that the concerned agencies act according to their cravings and desires,” the KSO stated.