New Delh- In a bid to restore normalcy to the strife-torn northeastern state of Manipur, the government is mulling over the implementation of a novel “one district, one force” policy. This strategy aims to enhance coordination and streamline operations among security forces, as the state grapples with ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023.
Under this proposed arrangement, each district in Manipur will be entrusted to the responsibility of a specific paramilitary force, a concept designed to foster accountability and mitigate the possibility of conflicts between security units. A high-level unified command, led by security advisor Kuldiep Singh, is expected to oversee the reorganization of security personnel throughout the state to facilitate the “one district, one force” initiative.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a security official in Delhi elucidated, “Assigning one force to manage a particular district will not only bolster coordination but also establish clear lines of accountability. The designated force will be held responsible for all incidents within its assigned district. Given the larger contingent of personnel in the CRPF, it is probable that they may be deployed across multiple districts.”
At present, Manipur hosts over 200 companies from various paramilitary forces, engaged in quelling the ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meiteis and Kukis, which have tragically claimed the lives of at least 175 individuals. These paramilitary forces, comprising the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, and CISF, in conjunction with the Assam Rifles and the army, are cooperating with the state police to restore peace to the region.
The proposed deployment of forces will be based on the existing offices or camps of these units in each district. Manipur boasts 16 administrative districts, with the CRPF boasting the largest contingent of personnel among the paramilitary forces stationed in the state.
While no official statement has been issued by the Manipur government regarding this development, the “one district, one force” approach appears poised to usher in a new era of efficiency and coordination in managing the security challenges in the region.
