Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla announced a significant expansion of the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) role in maintaining law and order in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic conflict for over a year. The CRPF has been instrumental in curbing violence and securing shelters for displaced people, according to Mr. Bhalla.
Manipur has witnessed devastating ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 3, 2023, resulting in over 221 deaths and displacing more than 60,000 individuals. Approximately 36,000 personnel from the Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to address the crisis.
Agniveers to Bolster CAPFs
In response to emerging challenges, Mr. Bhalla revealed that experienced and disciplined Agniveers will soon join the CAPFs, with each force reserving 10% of its vacancies for them. This move aims to enhance the capabilities of the CAPFs and tackle evolving security threats.The Union Home Secretary expressed optimism about eradicating Naxalism from India with the support of the CAPFs, stating that the issue is now confined to a few districts.
CRPF Focuses on Personnel Well-being
CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh highlighted the establishment of a special medical review board that has successfully declared around 14,000 CRPF personnel, previously deemed unfit, as fit to handle weapons again. The force has also opened 14 Snehalaya counseling centers to address alcohol dependence syndrome and mental health concerns among its personnel.Mr. Singh shared positive news regarding recruitment, stating that 4,800 vacancies have been filled, and the remaining 11,000 vacancies, including Sub-Inspectors, will be filled by the end of the year.
Additionally, a special drive was conducted to connect with the families of 2,046 CRPF personnel killed in action, resulting in the identification and resolution of numerous grievances.
