Manipur Home Minister Announces Deployment of Armoured Vehicles, Counter-Insurgency Forces

IMPHAL – State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam announced on Sunday that the state government is taking firm and decisive steps to address the wave of violent incidents and killings continuing to grip Manipur. Speaking at a press briefing held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, attended by ministers and MLAs of the state government, Konthoujam said that mine-proof and bullet-proof vehicles have begun arriving in the state to confront those illegally carrying weapons and disrupting peace in both the hills and the valley. He further stated that Indian security forces specialising in counter-insurgency operations would also be deployed shortly.

Govindas Konthoujam disclosed that officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will arrive in the state to closely monitor the series of killings and violent incidents, and to determine what further arrangements need to be made.

He noted that there are currently 272 companies of Central Paramilitary Forces stationed in Manipur. Of these, 103 companies were scheduled to be withdrawn in connection with elections in Assam and West Bengal, and 88 had already been pulled out. However, following a request from the state, the Union Home Minister has directed that no further withdrawal of central forces will take place given the fresh outbreak of disturbances.

Govindas Konthoujam added that once the counting of votes for the West Bengal elections — scheduled for April 23 and 29 — is completed, additional central forces, including units highly skilled in counter-insurgency operations, will be sent to the state.

On the ambush and killing of Tangkhul civilians on National Highway 202 at TM Kasom, the Home Minister stated that there are certain matters the state government cannot yet disclose to the public, but assured that all information will be made public when the time is appropriate.

He confirmed that the government has decided to hand over the TM Kasom case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Tangkhul Naga Long has submitted a memorandum to the government regarding the incident, and most of the demands included in it have been agreed upon. The government also assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased and the injured.

Govindas Konthoujam noted that the NIA has already taken over investigation of several ongoing cases, and a number of individuals have been arrested in connection with them. Urging patience, he drew a parallel with the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, noting that despite the gravity of that case, it took 11 years for justice to be delivered.

Responding to a question about a social media post claiming that the Chairman of the Kuki-Zomi Council had received a written document stating that the Chief Minister would create a separate Lamka district, Konthoujam categorically denied the claim, calling it “100 percent false.” He clarified that the government has never made any such statement.

On allegations that security personnel used excessive force against protesters following the Tronglaobi incident, the Home Minister acknowledged that there may have been some instances of excessive action, but provided context.

He stated that security forces generally do not act against peaceful demonstrations, but when protesters use means such as iron-bolt slingshots to attack personnel, injuries are sustained and tensions escalate. He cited the death of two children at Tronglaobi, after which three youths were killed when protesters stormed a CRPF camp.

Govindas Konthoujam also appealed to members of the public — in both the hills and the valley — to stop obstructing security forces during operations, as such interference allows culprits to flee before forces can reach the scene.

Regarding militants under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, Govindas Konthoujam stated that an agreement has been reached to reduce the number of designated camps from 17 to 12. The Chairman of the Peace Monitoring Committee has also ordered those in unauthorised camps to return to designated ones.

On the presence of MPA (UNLF) cadres in Nongsum and Fayeng, the Home Minister said that while strong public objection was raised when attempts were made to relocate them, the state government will allow them to remain in those areas until state forces can be stationed there — though no formal permanent order has been issued.

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam described the five-day shutdown called by the JAC formed in connection with the Tronglaobi incident as “extremely unfortunate.” He stated that during a meeting between the government and the JAC — which also included the father of the two deceased children — almost all demands, except those legally unfeasible, had been agreed upon and were only awaiting signatures.

However, after the father had already left, a new demand was added by JAC representatives and women’s organisations, requiring the government to produce the killers within a specified timeframe, triggering the shutdown announcement.

Govindas Konthoujam noted that the government had also offered the bereaved father — a serving BSF personnel — an equivalent post under state government forces so he could personally monitor the investigation, and offered his wife, a nurse, a suitable state government position so the couple could remain in the state to care for their elderly family members.