Security experts laud MHA decision to replace AR with CRPF
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 04 2024: Retired BSF DIG PK Mishra and retired CRPF Group Captain Nandakumar Sharma voiced their support to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) replacing two Assam Rifles battalions in Manipur with units from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) .

In a recent TV interview with News9, PK Mishra highlighted the strategic need for such rotations, while stating that as Assam Rifles has performed commendably in the Northeast the current security dynamics require their redeployment to the Jammu sector.

"The Assam Rifles has done tremendously well in the Northeast, but the Jammu border requires more forces due to the presence of various militant groups, including Pakistan-based militants," he stated.

Mishra explained that the two battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF), previously engaged in anti-Naxal operations in Malkangiri and Koraput, were recently moved to the Jammu border.

In response, the government decided to dispatch two battalions of Assam Rifles to the same area, while deploying CRPF units in their place in Manipur.

He dismissed concerns about the CRPF's ability to adapt to Manipur's challenging terrain, noting that the force has been present in the region, with a permanent post of Inspector General in Imphal.

"The CRPF has been doing wonderfully well in internal security duties and counter-insurgency operations, including in areas like Chhattisgarh and Malkangiri.

They are well-trained to operate in any type of circumstances", Mishra affirmed.

Addressing the ongoing tensions in Manipur, he pointed to the influx of over 70,000 Myanmarese refugees and the availability of weapons smuggled from Myanmar as factors exacerbating the conflict.

Expressing concern about proximity of paramilitary forces to local populations and emphasising the importance of rotating battalions every three years to prevent any personal affiliations from developing, the retired officer explained: "The rotation of forces is essential for maintaining impartiality and professionalism.

Keeping battalions in the same area for more than three years can lead to personal contacts with locals, which is detrimental to the effectiveness of the forces".

He praised the government's decision to rotate Assam Rifles and CRPF units between Jammu and Manipur, and urged the people to avoid comparisons between the two forces.

"Both Assam Rifles and CRPF are good forces, well-trained in counter-insurgency and internal security duties.

Even the Rashtriya Rifles could be deployed if necessary," he suggested.

Mishra's comments come amid heightened scrutiny of security operations in Manipur, where recent reports have raised concerns about the coordination between different state and paramilitary agencies.

He acknowledged that some incidents might have occurred, but emphasised that these should not overshadow the overall effectiveness and dedication of the forces involved.

Retired CRPF group captain Nandakumar Sharma also endorsed the MHA decision to rotate paramilitary forces in conflict-sensitive areas, calling it a strategic move to maintain impartiality and professionalism.

Joining the interview with News9, Nandakumar emphasised that regular rotation of forces, including those in Assam Rifles, is essential to prevent undue affiliations with local communities, which can compromise the effectiveness and neutrality of security operations.

Nandakumar highlighted the growing challenges in the western sector of India, noting the presence of over 500 Pakistani terrorists creating disruptions.

He praised the MHA for its proactive approach, stating, "The decision to rotate forces is a good step for India as a whole.

Regular transfers prevent unnecessary local ties and ensure that paramilitary forces remain focused on their duties without any external influence" .

He further elaborated on the importance of rotating forces every two to three years, particularly in areas like Manipur where the Assam Rifles have a long-standing presence.

Nandakumar pointed out that while officers in Assam Rifles are drawn from the regular army and subject to transfers, it is equally important for other ranks to be rotated to maintain the highest levels of professionalism.

Addressing concerns about neutrality, Nandakumar referred to comments made by Lt General PC Nair, asserting that Assam Rifles must maintain absolute impartiality.

He argued that if true neutrality were in place, incidents like the blockade of Sugnu police station by a Casspir vehicle would not occur.

"To ensure professionalism, forces must be moved out from areas where they might develop local contacts.

This uprooting and replacement with fresh forces help maintain stability and discipline", he added.

Nandakumar also addressed the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, particularly the narrative surrounding the Meetei and Kuki communities.

He clarified that neither Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) nor the Meetei community had targeted the entire Kuki community but had focused on issues related to drugs and illegal immigrants.

"Many Kukis have lived in Manipur for years and are Indian citizens.

The concern is with illegal immigrants and poppy cultivation, not with any particular community," he stated.

He emphasised that the ethnic cleansing narrative is misleading, pointing out that it is the Meetei community in areas like Moreh and Churachandpur who have faced significant displacement.

Earlier, chief minister N Biren had acknowledged the growing ethnic tensions in the state and the challenges in coordinating state and paramilitary forces.

He pointed out the reluctance of some groups to allow government forces to operate in the hills, creating a situation of mistrust.

He clarified that while there may be a few bad actors within both the state police commandos and Assam Rifles, it is unfair to label the entire organisations as problematic.

There are several Kuki people serving in the police commando, he said.

Congress MP Prof Bimol Akoijam had also echoed concerns about the lack of coordination between state and paramilitary forces, particularly-between the Manipur Police and Assam Rifles.

He criticised the failure of state leadership, including the chief minister, to ensure effective cooperation among these agencies, which has contributed to the ongoing crisis.

He suggested that the Assam Rifles, perceived by some as a local force due to its deep-rooted presence in the region, might have developed vested interests that entangle them in local conflicts.

He proposed withdrawal of Assam Rifles even if for the time being, advocating for the deployment of trusted forces like the regular army, CRPF, or BSF to stabilise the situation.

Additionally, he called for a revamp of the Manipur Police to prevent the communalisation of state agencies and institutions, warning that such a trend poses a danger to the country.

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