The Assam Rifles on Saturday, 10 May 2025, safely rescued an abducted woman, Olina Ningshen, two days after armed militants launched a violent attack on Tangkhul Naga villages in Manipur's Kamjong district along the India-Myanmar border. The rescue, coordinated under the supervision of multiple security agencies, came after heavy firing and explosions rocked the border villages of Namlee, Wanglee and Choro on Thursday.

How the Rescue Unfolded

Defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat confirmed that Olina Ningshen had been abducted from Namlee village during the violence on Thursday. Her release was organised south of Z Choro village, close to the incident site, under the close supervision of the Assam Rifles and other security agencies.

Her husband, the village headman, and representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) were escorted to Humine Thana, near Phaikoh, close to the handover point, after the Assam Rifles secured her safe release. The family and CSO representatives were subsequently taken to the local Assam Rifles headquarters at Chassad for formal handover procedures and documentation. The rescued woman was provided a detailed medical examination and psychological assistance, Lieutenant Colonel Rawat said.

The Thursday Attack: What Happened

In the early hours of Thursday, 8 May 2025, armed militants, reportedly suspected to belong to Kuki insurgent groups, attacked the Tangkhul Naga villages of Namlee, Wanglee and Choro under the Kasom Khullen police station area. The militants torched several houses and opened fire, forcing residents to flee into nearby forests.

An elderly woman identified as Khin Htwe Yei sustained injuries while attempting to flee during the attack. At least 10 houses were affected by the violence. The affected villages are located less than one kilometre from the India-Myanmar border, according to police officials.

Assam Rifles Operations and Apprehension

Despite difficult terrain and challenging operational conditions, the Assam Rifles deployed multiple rescue teams swiftly. Fifteen distressed villagers, including women and children, were rescued and provided humanitarian assistance at the Aloyo Assam Rifles camp. An injured woman was administered immediate first aid and medical evacuation support.

During the operations, one armed cadre identified as Lal Thag John, 38, was apprehended from Churachandpur district along with a sophisticated weapon, a magazine, and ammunition. He was subsequently handed over to local police authorities. Sanitisation and search operations were also carried out to prevent further escalation of violence.

Political Response and Broader Context

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the Kamjong district violence. The Assam Rifles, described as the country's oldest paramilitary force, continues intensive patrolling across all sensitive areas of Kamjong district.

This latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges along Manipur's border with Myanmar. Five Manipur districts — Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul — share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar, making the region particularly vulnerable to cross-border militant activity. Tensions in Manipur have remained elevated since ethnic violence first erupted in the state in May 2023.

The Assam Rifles said it remains committed to protecting citizens and maintaining peace in the Northeast, with intensive patrolling in sensitive areas set to continue as the situation remains volatile.