Imphal, May 15 (NationPress) In a significant counter-insurgency operation, ten militants were eliminated during a fierce confrontation with the Assam Rifles in the Chandel district of Manipur. This operation is part of a broader initiative by security forces to intensify their efforts against insurgent groups throughout the state.

The operation, which commenced on Wednesday, remains active and has resulted in the recovery of a substantial stockpile of arms and ammunition from the encounter site, according to officials.

The incident took place near New Samtal village in the Khengjoy area of Chandel district, adjacent to the Indo-Myanmar border. Security forces had identified suspicious movements of armed militants in the area.

Upon approaching the location, the militants opened fire, prompting a decisive response from the troops.

"Following specific intelligence regarding the movement of armed militants near New Samtal village, the Assam Rifles unit under Spear Corps initiated an operation on May 14," stated the Indian Army's Eastern Command in an official release.

"During the operation, the troops were engaged by suspected militants, to which they swiftly reacted, repositioned, and countered in a measured manner. In the ensuing firefight, ten militants were neutralized, and a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered," the statement continued.

While the identities of the deceased militants have yet to be revealed, officials believe that this operation significantly disrupts insurgent activities in the area.

This encounter occurs amidst an escalation of anti-insurgency operations in Manipur, targeting various militant factions operating within the state.

On the same day, a collaborative operation by security forces resulted in the capture of fourteen militants from banned extremist groups, along with the detention of three illegal arms dealers.

These arrests took place during coordinated raids across four districts—Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Tengnoupal—within a 24-hour period.

According to police reports, the arrested militants are associated with four banned groups: Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People's Liberation Army (PLA), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP).

These organizations have been linked to various insurgent activities in the region.

The militants were reportedly involved in numerous criminal activities, including abductions, extortion from contractors, government officials, traders, and the general populace.

"They have also been associated with violent crimes and have posed a threat to public peace," stated a senior police official.

As part of the crackdown, security personnel recovered a range of arms and ammunition, along with Aadhaar cards, incriminating documents, and other materials from those apprehended.

This recent wave of arrests and neutralizations forms part of a wider offensive by security forces in Manipur aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and reducing militant violence in the state.