The CRPF has deployed nearly 100 Marksman armoured vehicles in Manipur to improve troop safety following a deadly militant ambush. The force is also retraining its elite CoBRA commandos for complex regional security challenges. These measures, combined with revised operational protocols, aim to enhance troop protection and coordination in the violence-hit state.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has significantly updated its security strategy in Manipur following a fatal ambush in the Ukhrul district. The incident, which involved an IED explosion and subsequent gunfire, led to casualties among security personnel and prompted an urgent review of current tactical procedures.
To improve security for troops on the ground, the CRPF has deployed approximately 100 Marksman armoured vehicles across the state. These vehicles are designed to provide protection against gunfire and explosive threats during troop movements and area domination patrols. This equipment upgrade is intended to mitigate risks for soldiers operating in regions identified as highly vulnerable to sudden attacks.
Specialized Training for CoBRA Units
Alongside the deployment of protective equipment, the CRPF is shifting the operational focus of its elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) units. Traditionally trained for jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations against Left-Wing Extremism, these commandos are now undergoing specialized training in Silchar, Assam.
The new training modules are specifically tailored to address the complex law-and-order situation in Manipur. The program focuses on crowd management, civilian-sensitive policing, and convoy protection. This shift represents a departure from their standard anti-Naxal operational methods, requiring personnel to familiarize themselves with the state’s unique local terrain and current ethnic tensions.
Revised Protocols and Operational Oversight
The CRPF has also introduced revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all units stationed in the state. These updated guidelines mandate stricter coordination for troop movements, requiring thorough route sanitization and pre-patrol risk assessments. Under the new protocols, company commanders face increased accountability for ensuring compliance with these safety measures during daily operations.
Currently, more than 300 companies from various central security forces—including the CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)—are conducting joint operations alongside the Indian Army and Manipur Police.
Investors and observers monitoring the situation may continue to track the effectiveness of these revised protocols in stabilizing the region and the impact of sustained large-scale deployments on the operational efficiency of the security forces involved. Future updates are expected to focus on the stability of the region and the status of joint inter-agency coordination.