Why is Assam Rifles Boosting Vigilance along the India-Myanmar Border?

Synopsis
In a decisive move, Assam Rifles enhances vigilance along the India-Myanmar border after a significant encounter in Manipur. This operation saw ten militants neutralized and a substantial cache of arms seized, signaling a robust response to regional instability. Discover the implications of these actions for peace and security in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Intensified surveillance along the India-Myanmar border by Assam Rifles.
- Neutralization of ten militants during a recent counter-insurgency operation.
- Recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
- Continued efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
- Arrests of militants involved in criminal activities across Manipur.
Imphal, May 16 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles has ramped up its monitoring efforts along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur following recent intensive counter-insurgency operations in the Chandel district, where ten armed militants were neutralized and a substantial cache of arms and ammunition was seized, officials reported on Friday.
A defence spokesperson detailed that during a patrol in the vicinity of New Samtal village near the Myanmar border, Assam Rifles personnel faced heavy gunfire from suspected insurgents.
Exhibiting remarkable composure and combat readiness, the troops responded with precision, leading to the neutralization of ten camouflaged individuals, the spokesperson noted.
Initial evaluations indicate that the neutralized individuals were linked to cross-border insurgent activities, with efforts currently underway to ascertain their identities.
A comprehensive search operation was executed in the area, where a significant cache of weapons and materials was recovered. This cache included seven AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, an M4 rifle, and four single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) rifles, along with ammunition and other military supplies.
The situation along the India-Myanmar border continues to be closely monitored, with the spokesperson affirming that security forces are maintaining a strong presence while coordinating with civil authorities and intelligence agencies to uphold peace and stability in the region.
Wednesday’s operation marks a significant counter-insurgency effort following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribes.
The hilly Chandel district is home to various tribal ethnic groups, including the Nagas.
Manipur shares a 398-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar, and the Border Road Organisation (BRO) began fencing operations last year to secure these challenging frontiers.
In separate incidents, security forces have apprehended eight additional militants affiliated with various banned organizations across different districts of Manipur in the past 24 hours.
A police representative stated that these arrests occurred in the Thoubal and Imphal East districts, involving members from the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), and United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK).
The police official noted that the apprehended militants had engaged in abductions, various criminal activities, and coercive financial collection from contractors, traders, government employees, and civilians. A range of arms and ammunition, Aadhaar cards, incriminating documents, and assorted materials were seized from the fourteen arrested militants. Ongoing search operations and area dominance efforts continue in the vulnerable areas of the hill and valley districts.