The additional director general of BSF Eastern Command Ravi Gandhi who is on a four-day visit to Manipur has extended his stay due to escalating tensions in the state.
Security measures have been tightened across the state, in response to escalating tensions in the Manipur valley following the recovery of six individuals reportedly killed by suspected Kuki militants in the Jiribam incident.
On November 11, a group of armed militants attacked the Borobekera police station and a CRPF camp near the station. In the ensuing encounter, the CRPF killed 10 militants and recovered several sophisticated weapons, including an RPG. During their retreat, the militants allegedly abducted six individuals from a relief camp near the police station, including three women, a minor girl, a minor boy, and an eight-month-old infant.
The discovery of bodies, suspected to be those of the abducted individuals including a headless minor on separate days has further inflamed violence, particularly in Imphal City.
As a precautionary measure, 50 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) were deployed in the state on Monday. Earlier, on November 12, the Ministry of Home Affairs had already dispatched 20 CAPF companies, including 15 CRPF companies and five BSF companies.
Ravi Gandhi, arrived in Imphal on November 13 for a four-day visit to assess the security situation and review operational preparedness amid the growing violence. However, a press statement issued by the PRO, Frontier HQ BSF (Manipur and Cachar) on Tuesday confirmed that the additional director general has extended his stay in the state due to the ongoing tensions.
The statement highlighted that the additional director general’s extended visit is aimed at bolstering troop morale and reviewing the current security landscape to help restore law and order.
During his visit, Ravi Gandhi, accompanied by BSF Frontier IG Sanjay Kumar Misra and BSF Sector DIG JK Virdi, held discussions with Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh and ADGP (Law and Order) L Kailun. The discussions focused on fostering synergy between BSF and police operations to stabilize the situation and rebuild trust among local residents.
The additional director general also visited UNACCO Residential School in Chanung, Imphal East, where he interacted with students, and the headquarters of the 7th Manipur Rifles to review security arrangements at the quarter guard and kote.
Additionally, he inspected various BSF deployments in Imphal East and West districts. Reaffirming the BSF’s commitment to maintaining law and order, he emphasised the importance of ensuring public safety and fostering community trust.
