Centre to Redeploy 8,500 CAPF Personnel to Violence-Hit Manipur After West Bengal Polling

New Delhi, April 27, 2026: Nearly 8,500 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Roughly 85 companies and about 30% of the forces stationed in Manipur are set to return to the northeastern state after the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections concludes on April 29. The temporary redeployment for poll duties in Bengal has drawn sharp criticism amid fresh outbreaks of ethnic violence in Manipur.
According to senior government officials, the CAPF companies were shifted from Manipur in recent weeks to bolster security for the high-stakes elections in West Bengal, where the Election Commission deployed a record 2.4 lakh central forces personnel, the highest ever for a single state. Manipur, which had over 275 CAPF companies at peak deployment during earlier phases of unrest, was left with significantly reduced strength, currently around 184 companies after further adjustments.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic clashes, primarily between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, since May 2023. The conflict has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and led to recurring violence, including targeted killings, protests, and shutdowns. In early April 2026, fresh incidents, including a deadly blast killing children and subsequent protests where security forces opened fire, heightened tensions in districts like Bishnupur and Imphal. Local groups have warned that thinning central forces could exacerbate risks, with some accusing state police of bias and demanding sustained central presence for neutrality.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam assured that additional counter-insurgency-trained forces. along with the returning units and mine-protected vehicles, would arrive post-April 29 to strengthen security. The Union Home Ministry had initially planned further withdrawals but halted them following concerns raised by the state government. thehindu.com
The redeployment has sparked political debate. Journalist and commentator Sushant Singh criticized the move on social media, stating. “This is why Manipur was burning. Winning elections in Bengal for the BJP was more important for India’s home ministry than keeping a sensitive border state safe and secure.” Opposition voices echoed similar sentiments, questioning priorities in a strategically vital border region sharing frontiers with Myanmar.
Officials maintain the shift was temporary and necessary for free and fair elections in West Bengal, known for past poll-related violence. The forces are expected to resume duties in Manipur immediately after polling, with the Election Commission also retaining substantial CAPF presence in Bengal for post-poll security of EVMs and counting centres.
The development underscores the challenges of balancing internal security needs across states with varying demands during the election season. Restoration of normalcy in Manipur remains a pressing concern for both central and state authorities as ethnic fault lines continue to simmer.