Two specialized battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force received training in gender sensitization and management of women protesters before their deployment in May in Manipur, where women blocking roads to impede the movements of army and security forces has become common in the Kuki-Miti and Kuki-Naga conflicts, officials familiar with the matter said.
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The two guerrilla-trained CoBRA battalions, deployed exclusively in anti-Naxal operations so far, were transferred to Manipur in May 2026 for counter-insurgency duties after the government declared India free of Naxalism on 31 March. This is the first time that CoBRA (Resolute Action Commando Battalion) units have been deployed outside the Left-wing Extremism (LWE) theatre. Officials said the government may deploy additional battalions depending on how the security situation develops in the state. One battalion includes about 1,000 commandos.
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An official familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, said: “One of the main features of the training focused on dealing with situations when protesters, especially women, block roads and do not allow security forces to operate… The training was held in Manipur and Assam.”
“Training is required to ensure there is no collateral damage or controversy, especially when forces are conducting specific counter-insurgency operations,” the official added.
In the past three years, women protesters in both the hills and districts have often blocked roads and forced security forces to release detained rebels.
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More than 100 QRT vehicles for security personnel
Meanwhile, a second official said that in the last two months, the government has brought more than 100 QRT (Quick Response Team) bulletproof vehicles to Manipur. “100 Mahindra Marksman bulletproof vehicles have been widely used in counter-insurgency operations across the state. Personnel have been directed to move in these vehicles only,” an official said.
Senior CRPF officers directed personnel on ground to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while moving in Manipur.
