Itanagar, Jan 26 (NationPress) An Assam Rifles Company Operating Base (COB) located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh came under attack by armed insurgents on Monday, leading to a intense exchange of gunfire, according to officials.

Sources indicated that the COB, situated in Ranglum village of Changlang district, was targeted from various directions. This remote village is in proximity to the India-Myanmar border, near international border pillar number 168.

The troops of Assam Rifles responded with swift countermeasures, and operations to combat the insurgents are ongoing, with no injuries or fatalities reported from either side as of now.

Additional forces have been deployed to the vicinity, with the area cordoned off and operations intensified to neutralize the armed militants.

A senior police official mentioned that police teams have been dispatched to the border regions to gather further intelligence.

However, the identity of the militant group involved remains unconfirmed as detailed information from the Assam Rifles is still awaited.

Arunachal Pradesh shares a 520-km unfenced border with Myanmar, rendering the area susceptible to cross-border insurgent activities.

In recent months, security agencies recalled that militants from the NSCN-K (YA) faction attempted a standoff attack on the Hedman Camp in Changlang district, which was effectively thwarted due to the prompt response from vigilant troops.

Subsequently, ULFA (Independent) extremists tried a similar assault on the Kakopathar Camp in Tinsukia district of eastern Assam. This attack was also repelled, resulting in casualties among the insurgents and the apprehension of an Over Ground Worker (OGW) involved in the operation.

In light of these incidents, Assam Rifles have escalated their counter-insurgency measures by establishing a comprehensive security framework, utilizing advanced surveillance tools, drones, and intelligence-driven high-tech units.

These intensified operations resulted in a successful ambush in the 6 Mile Lekang Khampti area of Namsai district in southern Arunachal Pradesh, where one ULFA (I) cadre was neutralized, and warlike equipment was seized.

During a follow-up search operation, security forces discovered the body of a militant identified as Iwon Axom, a self-styled Sergeant Major of ULFA (I).

Additionally, one rifle, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) round, and three rucksacks were recovered from the site.

Sources stated that such rapid and precise actions have consistently thwarted insurgent attempts and bolstered the morale of security forces in the region.

The unwavering role of the Assam Rifles, coupled with meticulous planning and execution, continues to foster peace and stability in the Northeast, reaffirming their reputation as the “Sentinels of the North East,” the sources concluded.