Imphal, Feb 16 (NationPress) Lieutenant General Abhijit S. Pendharkar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Spear Corps, conducted an extensive visit to Manipur on Monday to assess the current security landscape amidst ongoing challenges, as reported by officials.

A defence spokesman indicated that the GOC, alongside senior commanders, visited critical areas in the hill districts of Ukhrul and Kangpokpi, along with Imphal East and Imphal West districts located in the Imphal Valley region.

During this visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar received in-depth briefings from the Red Shield Division, the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR-South), and other commanders regarding the operational environment and ground realities.

The GOC evaluated the deployments of the Army and Assam Rifles, engaging directly with the troops to gauge their readiness to tackle emerging security threats.

Praising the soldiers for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to maintaining peace under challenging conditions, Lt Gen Pendharkar emphasized the necessity for consistent mission readiness.

He instructed all formations to uphold a heightened level of vigilance and operational flexibility, especially in sensitive and volatile regions, to adequately respond to any rapid developments, as stated by the spokesman.

In another development, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Inspector General Rajendra N. Dash met with Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday to discuss the state’s security situation.

Later, the Chief Minister shared on his X account: “I was visited by Shri Rajendra N. Dash, Inspector General, CRPF, this morning at my Office, Babupara, where we engaged in constructive discussions and exchanged views on the ongoing security situation in the state, reaffirming our mutual commitment to maintain peace, stability, and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.”

In a related action, security forces apprehended five hardened militants affiliated with various insurgent groups from different districts of Manipur on Monday.

A police official confirmed that the detained militants are linked to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). Arms and ammunition were also seized during these operations, the official reported.

Additionally, security personnel apprehended a drug peddler, identified as Md. Jayad Khan (42), from Thoubal district. They confiscated 10 soap cases containing approximately 397 grams of heroin, a single-barrel gun with an ammunition belt comprising six live rounds, and a two-wheeler from his possession.

Joint security forces, including central and state agencies, have heightened operations against militant factions, executing extensive search operations and area domination drives in fringe, mixed-population, and vulnerable zones across several districts of the state.

A total of 103 checkpoints have been established throughout Manipur in both hill and valley districts to restrict the movement of illegal entities and suspicious vehicles.

Moreover, security personnel are also providing escorts for vehicles, including trucks carrying essential goods, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).