Are Counter-insurgency Operations Continuing After Assam Rifles Neutralized 10 Militants in Chandel?
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Synopsis
Chandel district in Manipur is witnessing sustained counter-insurgency operations after Assam Rifles neutralized 10 militants. This operation represents a critical blow to insurgent activities in a region rife with ethnic conflict. The security forces remain vigilant, arresting additional militants amidst ongoing tensions.
Key Takeaways
- 10 militants were neutralized by Assam Rifles in Chandel.
- Counter-insurgency operations are still ongoing.
- Seven additional militants were arrested across multiple districts.
- The operations are a response to rising insurgent activities.
- Efforts to secure the India-Myanmar border are being intensified.
Imphal, May 15 (NationPress) Counter-insurgency operations remain ongoing as of Thursday afternoon following the Assam Rifles neutralizing 10 militants during an encounter in Chandel district of southern Manipur, which borders Myanmar, according to officials.
Sources in Imphal revealed that the Assam Rifles unit from Spear Corps initiated the operation on Wednesday, and the counter-insurgency efforts are actively progressing in the rugged terrain of Chandel district, located 130 km from the state capital and characterized by sparse human habitation.
In the last 24 hours, security forces apprehended seven insurgents affiliated with various outlawed militant organizations from different areas of Manipur.
The Indian Army's Eastern Command previously reported that they acted on specific intelligence regarding the movement of armed groups near New Samtal village, Khengjoy Tehsil, under Chandel district along the India-Myanmar border, prompting the Assam Rifles troops under Spear Corps to commence an operation on Wednesday.
“During this operation, the troops were fired upon by suspected militants, to which they promptly responded, redeployed, and retaliated in a controlled and precise manner. In the resulting firefight, 10 militants were neutralized, and a considerable amount of arms and ammunition was recovered,” stated the Army's Eastern Command in a post on their X handle.
The identities of the deceased militants have not yet been revealed. This operation signifies a significant setback to insurgent activities in the troubled mountainous region of Manipur.
The hilly area of Chandel is home to various tribal ethnic groups, including the Nagas.
Manipur shares a 398-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar.
The Border Road Organisation (BRO) began efforts last year to secure this challenging frontier.
Thursday's operation against the militants is among the most significant counter-insurgency actions since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, between the non-tribal Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals.
In related news, security forces captured seven militants from various banned groups across different districts in Manipur.
A police official confirmed that the seven militants were seized from five districts: Thoubal, Imphal West, Kakching, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur.
The captured insurgents are affiliated with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and Khonoma Khaccha Land Army (CKLA)/United People's Liberation Front (UPLF).
According to the police, these insurgents were involved in abductions, various crimes, and extortion from contractors, traders, government employees, and ordinary citizens.
Some arms and ammunition, Aadhaar cards, incriminating documents, and other materials were seized from the 14 arrested militants.
The combined security forces have sustained search operations and area control in the vulnerable regions of both hill and valley districts.
Point of View
I observe that the ongoing counter-insurgency operations by the Assam Rifles in Manipur highlight the complexities of regional security. The swift response to insurgent threats is critical for maintaining stability, especially in the wake of ethnic violence. The government's commitment to combating insurgency must be balanced with efforts to foster dialogue among different communities to ensure lasting peace.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the recent counter-insurgency operations in Chandel?
The operations were initiated following specific intelligence regarding armed insurgent movements near New Samtal village in Chandel district.
How many militants were neutralized during the operations?
Ten militants were neutralized in the recent encounters conducted by the Assam Rifles.
What are the affiliations of the arrested militants?
The arrested militants belong to various banned outfits, including the UNLF, KCP, PLA, and CKLA/UPLF.
What is the significance of these operations?
These operations mark a significant blow to insurgent activities in a region that has been affected by ethnic violence and instability.
What actions are being taken to secure the border with Myanmar?
The Border Road Organisation has initiated fencing efforts along the unfenced 398-km-long international border with Myanmar.
