Two CoBRA Battalions Deployed to Tackle Violence in Manipur

The Indian government has deployed two CoBRA battalions to Manipur to address ongoing violence. These units will engage in operations against armed factions in the region. The move comes amid efforts to restore peace following ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups that have caused significant unrest since May 2023.

Devdiscourse News Desk | New Delhi | Updated: 31-05-2026 14:32 IST | Created: 31-05-2026 14:32 IST

Two CoBRA Battalions Deployed to Tackle Violence in Manipur — Women participate in sit-in protest demanding restoration of peace in Manipur following the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, in Imphal on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Country:
India

The Indian government has decided to send two battalions from the CRPF's elite CoBRA unit to Manipur. These specialized troops will be tasked with addressing the ongoing violence in the region, which has claimed over 260 lives and left thousands displaced since ethnic tensions erupted in May 2023.

The deployment involves battalion numbers 207 from West Bengal and 210 from Assam. Their mission is to conduct targeted operations against armed groups responsible for the unrest. A senior officer stated that the CoBRA units are set to be in place within the next few weeks.

CoBRA, established in 2008-09 to combat Left Wing Extremism, is renowned for its success in operations against Naxals through formidable jungle warfare and guerrilla tactics. With the situation in the LWE areas now stabilized, these units have been reassigned to focus on reestablishing peace in volatile regions like Manipur.

The Ministry of Home Affairs accredits CoBRA with significantly reducing Maoist violence earlier this year. Plans are also underway for potential CoBRA unit deployments to Jammu and Kashmir, contingent on the evolving security needs.

(With inputs from agencies.)