Assam Rifles rescue 15 villagers after militant attack in Manipur's Kamjong district
Armed militants suspected to belong to Kuki outfits attacked Tangkhul Naga villages along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur's Kamjong district in the early hours of Thursday, 8 May, torching houses and forcing residents to flee into nearby forests. The Assam Rifles responded swiftly, rescuing 15 distressed villagers — including women and children — and apprehending one armed cadre during subsequent operations.
What Happened in Kamjong
Heavy firing and explosions were reported near Z Choro and opposite Namlee along the India-Myanmar border, according to Defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat. The militants targeted the villages of Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro under the Kasom Khullen police station area, setting fire to several houses. Residents reportedly fled into surrounding forests to escape the violence. These mountainous villages lie less than one kilometre from the international border, a police official noted.
Rescue and Evacuation Operations
Troops of the Assam Rifles moved into the affected areas under extremely challenging conditions, deploying multiple rescue teams without delay. Ten houses affected by the violence were secured, and civilians trapped in the area were evacuated to safer locations. All 15 distressed villagers, including women and children, were safely rescued and provided humanitarian assistance at the Aloyo Assam Rifles camp. A Myanmarese woman from Namlee was also provided immediate first aid and medical evacuation support. An elderly woman identified as Khin Htwe Yei sustained injuries while attempting to flee during the attack, according to police.
Armed Cadre Apprehended
During search operations, one armed cadre was apprehended along with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and ammunition. The individual was subsequently handed over to local police authorities, Lieutenant Colonel Rawat confirmed. The Assam Rifles also carried out rapid area sanitisation operations to stabilise the situation and prevent further violence.
Chief Minister Condemns the Attack
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the incident. In a social media post, he said:
