2 Assam rifles battalions moved out of Manipur ignoring tribals’ protests

GUWAHATI: Amid protests by Manipur’s Kukis against the withdrawal of two “non-partisan” Assam Rifles (AR) battalions from two sensitive security buffer zones in the strife-torn state, Army has recommended placing the incoming CRPF battalions under the command and control of AR’s sector headquarters.
Kuki MLAs have been part of the protests to retain the AR troops.The community fears the move to withdraw a “non-partisan force like Assam Rifles” could lead to a resurgence of violence.
Army has directed relocation of the two AR battalions from Manipur to Nagaland, where they will relieve two other battalions. These relieved battalions will be redeployed in J&K. Assam Rifles, despite being a paramilitary force, has a dual control structure, with the Army overseeing operational control and home ministry handling administrative supervision.
Currently, the two Assam Rifles battalions are deployed in Manipur’s Kangvai along the Churachandpur-Bishnupur border, and Kangchup on the Kangpokpi-Imphal (East) inter-district borders.
The incoming CRPF battalions, comprising over 2,000 personnel, are being transferred from J&K and Telangana and are expected to assume their new positions this month, a security source said. The AR battalions are expected to hand over their areas of responsibility within one week of the CRPF battalions’ arrival, the source added.
“It has been recommended that the command and control of the two CRPF battalions, relieving the AR battalions, is vested with the respective AR sector headquarters of IG (E) and IG (S), to ensure cohesion in operations in these sensitive areas,” the source said. Besides, the two CRPF battalions will undergo three months of on-the-job training “in view of the prevailing security situation in the state”.
Additionally, like other infantry battalions inducted into Manipur, they will undergo four weeks of pre-induction training at the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram, suggesting their involvement in counter-insurgency operations in the state.