Fratricide, the act of a service member killing a fellow comrade, has emerged as a serious concern within India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), particularly in conflict-prone regions like Manipur. The psychological and operational stress endured by personnel deployed in such volatile environments has often been linked to these tragic incidents. Beyond the immediate loss of life, fratricide significantly impacts unit morale, operational efficiency, and trust within the force. Addressing this issue requires an in-depth understanding of its causes, psychological triggers, and the measures needed to prevent its recurrence.
Manipur has witnessed several fratricide cases involving CRPF personnel, highlighting the severity of the problem. One of the most recent incidents occurred on February 13, 2025, at a CRPF camp in Lamphel, Imphal West district. A jawan allegedly opened fire on his colleagues, resulting in multiple casualties before taking his own life. A similar event in May 2020, at the residence of a CRPF Inspector General in Churachandpur district, led to the death of a jawan and injuries to others. Such episodes are not isolated to Manipur but have been reported across regions where CRPF personnel operate under high-stress conditions. Over the past decade, incidents in Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh point to a broader trend that demands immediate attention from policymakers, security experts, and CRPF leadership.
Several underlying factors contribute to fratricide within the CRPF, many of which stem from the stressful nature of their deployments. Personnel stationed in insurgency-hit regions like Manipur face prolonged exposure to combat-like conditions, limited interaction with their families, and constant vigilance against potential threats. Such an environment fosters chronic stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, depression. Fueled by close-quarter living conditions and rigid hierarchical structures, interpersonal conflicts among soldiers can also escalate to dangerous levels if not adequately managed. Moreover, reports indicate that some cases of fratricide have involved substance abuse, with alcohol and drugs impairing judgment and exacerbating aggression among personnel. A lack of mental health support systems and reluctance to seek psychological help due to stigma further intensifies the problem, making early intervention challenging.
Despite the alarming frequency of fratricide cases, there appears to be a lack of adequate attention from the government regarding the welfare of CRPF personnel. While paramilitary forces like the CRPF play a crucial role in maintaining internal security, they often do not receive the same level of institutional support and benefits as the Indian Armed Forces. The absence of a structured mental health policy within the CRPF, inadequate debriefing mechanisms post-deployment, and poor access to psychological counselling have contributed to a crisis that the government largely overlooks. Additionally, the lack of clear leave policies and prolonged deployments without adequate rest further exacerbate stress among personnel. Government policies have focused on operations against minorities, but little has been done to ensure the mental well-being and overall quality of life of the forces. This negligence affects the individuals serving in these high-risk zones and compromises national security by diminishing the force’s effectiveness.
Addressing fratricide within the CRPF, particularly in high-conflict zones like Manipur, requires a holistic strategy integrating mental health initiatives, policy reforms, and organizational changes. By fostering a supportive environment, implementing structured interventions, and prioritizing the psychological well-being of personnel, the CRPF can work towards reducing these tragic occurrences and ensuring the safety and morale of its forces. However, without strong policy measures, increased government intervention, and a dedicated approach to improving the conditions of paramilitary personnel, efforts to prevent fratricide will remain incomplete.