Did Assam Rifles Successfully Seize Illegal Arms in Manipur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam Rifles successfully recovered illegal arms in Churachandpur.
- The operation was part of a counter-insurgency initiative.
- Two personnel were killed in a previous attack.
- Security measures are being enhanced in Manipur.
- Continued vigilance is essential for regional stability.
Imphal, Sep 20 (NationPress) Following the tragic deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel and injuries to five others from an unidentified armed group in Manipur's Bishnupur district, the paramilitary force successfully seized a substantial cache of illegal weapons in Churachandpur district, according to officials.
Defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Amit Shukla stated that in a bold counter-insurgency initiative, Assam Rifles executed a rapid operation at G. Khonom village in Churachandpur, leading to the recovery of a significant number of illegal arms.
Based on reliable intelligence, the operation was meticulously planned to minimize any disruption to the local community, he noted.
During this operation, security forces confiscated eight single-barreled 12-bore rifles, believed to be intended for use by anti-national factions.
The spokesman emphasized that the recovery of these weapons is a vital step towards neutralizing potential threats to peace and public safety within the region.
The operation was executed by a coordinated unit of troops whose disciplined strategy and tactical proficiency ensured the mission's success while maintaining civilian safety and comfort.
This seizure is part of Assam Rifles' ongoing proactive measures aimed at dismantling networks that threaten civil harmony and regional stability.
Lieutenant Colonel Shukla reiterated that the paramilitary force's persistent vigilance and operational readiness reflect its dual commitment to uphold law and order while supporting community welfare.
Churachandpur and Bishnupur are neighboring districts in southern Manipur.
The tribal-inhabited Churachandpur shares an unfenced border with Myanmar and Mizoram.
Meanwhile, a police official in Imphal reported that extensive combing operations by joint Central and state forces continue to apprehend those responsible for the assault that resulted in the deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel and injuries to five others.
It has been reported that a Maruti van, suspected to have been used by the armed assailants during the ambush in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area, was intercepted by security forces during the search operation on Saturday.
Two Assam Rifles personnel, including a Naib-Subedar, lost their lives while five others sustained injuries when unidentified armed individuals attacked their vehicle along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) in Bishnupur district's Nambol Sabal Leikai.
A Defence spokesman indicated that a column of Assam Rifles troops was en route from its Patsoi company operating base to the Nambol company operating base when they were ambushed in the vicinity of Nambol Sabal Leikai by unidentified terrorists on the highway in the denotified area of Manipur.
During the ambush, two Assam Rifles personnel were killed, and five were injured.
The injured personnel are currently receiving medical treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, with their conditions reported as stable.
The deceased Assam Rifles personnel were Naib-Subedar Shyam Gurung (59) and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap (36).
Gurung hailed from Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, while Kashyap was a resident of Bastar district in Chhattisgarh.
The Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) was previously lifted from the Nambol Sabal Leikai area.
As of now, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which marks the first significant violent occurrence after the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur on February 13 this year.