CRPF marathon events in conflict-hit Kangpokpi district of Manipur have brought young people and sports enthusiasts together at a time when the region continues to face deep community tensions. A 10-kilometre run organised by the 94th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on September 9 drew more than 250 runners and sports enthusiasts at Brigadier Thomas Ground. The event was held under the themes of Khelo India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and SPANDAN, or Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations.
Sports used to encourage community participation
The event was organised with the stated aim of promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship, healthy living and greater community participation. In a district affected by violence and tensions involving different communities, the participation of youths in a shared sporting activity offered a non-political platform for interaction.
The organisers conducted the race under the direction of the Inspector General of Police, Manipur-Nagaland Sector, and with the guidance of the Commandant of the 94th Battalion CRPF. The race began at Brigadier Thomas Ground and moved along National Highway 2 towards Kalapahar before returning to the starting point.
The event comes against a difficult backdrop. Kangpokpi has witnessed renewed tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in recent months, including violent incidents and disruptions along important road corridors. Recent reports have highlighted the fragile security situation in the district and the wider challenge of rebuilding trust between communities.
CRPF marathon creates a common sporting platform
The CRPF marathon was part of a broader series of sporting activities organised across Manipur by different CRPF battalions. The force has used running events, cycling activities and other sports under the SPANDAN initiative to encourage youth participation and promote peace and development.
On September 5, the 232 (Mahila) Battalion CRPF organised a 10-kilometre women’s marathon at Motbung Football Ground in Kangpokpi, attracting around 100 participants. Another 10-kilometre run organised by the 232 Battalion at Motbung saw 123 runners and sports enthusiasts take part.
The latest initiative therefore builds on an expanding sports-based outreach programme in the district. Such activities give young people opportunities to meet outside the usual political and security narratives surrounding the conflict.
Recognition for top performers
The Kangpokpi sporting programme has also included incentives for participants. In a 10-kilometre mini marathon organised by the 94th Battalion under the Khelo India SPANDAN initiative, the top three finishers received cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 6,000 and Rs 4,000, along with medals and certificates. Certificates were also given to the top 50 finishers.
L Lunmilal Khongsai, Lamkhotinsei Kipgen and Lamginmang Vaiphei emerged as the top three finishers in that event, according to a report by The Sangai Express. The race also attracted prominent personalities from the district.
A wider sports-for-peace initiative
The CRPF marathon in Kangpokpi was not an isolated event. CRPF units organised similar races in several parts of Manipur during September. The 86th Battalion held a 10-kilometre run in Noney, where around 147 youths participated, while a 156th Battalion event in Jiribam attracted 212 runners.
Other sporting programmes included a cycling event in Imphal and additional mini marathons. The activities reflect an effort to use sports as a tool for fitness, discipline, youth engagement and community interaction.
For young people living amid prolonged uncertainty, these activities can provide a constructive space for participation and social contact. While sporting events cannot resolve political or security disputes on their own, they can create opportunities for interaction that are otherwise difficult during periods of heightened tension.
Kangpokpi faces a fragile security environment
The significance of the event is heightened by Kangpokpi’s recent security situation. In August, a CRPF sub-inspector was injured during firing reported along the border between Naga-dominated Senapati and Kuki-Zo-dominated Kangpokpi. The violence also disrupted traffic on NH-2, an important route connecting Manipur with Nagaland.
On September 7, Manipur Police also reported a joint operation involving police, CoBRA, CRPF, Mahila personnel and RAF teams at Gampum village in Kangpokpi. Eight suspected cadres were apprehended and seven automatic weapons were recovered, according to the police.
Against this backdrop, the participation of young people in sporting activities carries significance beyond fitness. It provides a public setting where communities can focus on a shared activity rather than their differences.
The latest CRPF marathon highlights the potential of sport to create moments of cooperation in a region facing serious challenges. Continued youth engagement, alongside security measures and broader peace-building efforts, could help create more opportunities for community interaction in Kangpokpi and other conflict-affected parts of Manipur.
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