The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Saturday replaced the 22 Assam Rifles which had been deployed and providing security in Kangpokpi district during the conflict which has crossed more than 15 months in strife-torn Manipur after the violence erupted on May 3, 2023.
The Battalion Headquarter of 22-AR is located at Lairou in Senapati district. They were deployed at Kangpokpi, Motbung, Saikul, Dolaithabi and Geljang (Kangchup Range), as per sources.
Personnel of 112 Bn CRPF were being transported to the border state in batches during the last few days before completely replacing the Assam Rifles on Saturday.
Of the four 112-CRPF companies which arrived in the state, one each has been deployed at Kangpokpi district headquarter, Motbung, Dolaithabi and Geljang (Kangchup Range), sources said.
Meanwhile, the 22-AR posted beside Saikul Police Station were replaced by 133Bn. F-Coy CRPF. At Dolaithabi Project a combination of 16, 22 and 28-AR had been deployed. Sources said that more companies of 112-CRPF will be arriving in the state, and they will be replacing the 133Bn. F-Coy CRPF personnel who are being deployed beside Saikul Police Station.
After replacing the 22-AR, the newly arrived CRPF immediately launched an inspection at the designated camps of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) situated at T Gamnon which is located at a distance of 20 km from Saikul Police Station.
Last year, in reaction to reports which stated that Assam Rifles may be removed from Kangpokpi district, Kuki womenfolk gathered and fell on the feet of 22-AR, reportedly at Kangpokpi District Headquarter, crying and imploring the AR personnel not to leave them. Footages of the incident went viral on social media. Recently, they also held prayers for the AR so that they may never leave.
The Centre has ordered the transfer of 22 AR and 9 AR battalions from Manipur because of the rising terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). The two battalions, approximately 2,500 men, are currently posted in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur – hill districts where Kukis live. Many AR soldiers here are excited for the counter terrors ops ahead because this is a challenge they have been trained for.
Army had directed relocation of the two AR battalions from Manipur to Nagaland, where they will relieve two other battalions. These relieved battalions will be deployed in J&K.
The two AR battalions were deployed in Manipur’s Kangvai along the Churachandpur-Bishnupur border and along the Kangpokpi-Imphal East inter district borders.
