Tribal Groups Oppose Assam Rifles Withdrawal from Manipur Hills Amidst CRPF Replacement Reports

In a heated development, various tribal organizations in Manipur have vocally opposed the reported decision to withdraw the Assam Rifles from the hill areas of the state. This opposition comes on the heels of government plans to replace the Assam Rifles with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in regions plagued by ethnic violence, specifically in the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

The Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force renowned for its counter-insurgency capabilities, has been a pivotal presence in Manipur since ethnic violence erupted on May 3 last year. The force operates under the leadership of Army officers and has developed a profound understanding of the local geopolitical landscape, making it an integral part of maintaining peace and security in the region.

The proposed replacement of two Assam Rifles battalions with CRPF units has stirred significant controversy. Highly placed sources indicate that these battalions are being redeployed to Jammu and Kashmir to bolster counter-terror operations in response to a recent surge in terror attacks instigated by Pakistan. However, this strategic shift has not been well-received by the tribal communities in Manipur.

Tribal organizations have expressed their concerns through separate letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to reconsider the decision. Copies of these letters have also been sent to key officials, including Manipur Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka, and Director General of Manipur Police Rajiv Singh.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing the Meitei community and other groups, has been advocating for the replacement of the Assam Rifles with other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Conversely, several tribal organizations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), strongly oppose this move. The ITLF, an apex body representing tribals in Manipur, emphasized in a statement that the Assam Rifles, as India’s oldest paramilitary force, possesses unparalleled knowledge and experience in handling the unique security challenges of the region.

The ITLF's statement underscores the critical role of the Assam Rifles in maintaining stability in the hill areas of Manipur. They argue that the force's deep-rooted understanding of the local dynamics makes it indispensable in managing the ethnic tensions and violence that have plagued the region.

As the debate continues, the future of security operations in Manipur remains uncertain. The tribal groups' strong opposition highlights the complexities of the security landscape in the region and raises important questions about the best approach to ensuring peace and stability in Manipur's troubled hills.