New Delhi: Ten militants suspected to be from the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) were killed during a major counterinsurgency operation by the Assam Rifles in Manipur’s Chandel, close to the Indo-Myanmar border, near international border pillar Number 61, ThePrint learnt Friday.
The two-day-long operation started on 14 May after intelligence input regarding the movement of cadres along the border near New Samtal village in Khengjoy was received, according to sources in the security establishment. The area, sources said, is mountainous with scant human habitation and is over 130 km from Imphal.
“During the operation, the patrol party of 1 AR that is assisting with border fencing work came under sudden and unprovoked heavy fire from cadres. Demonstrating exceptional composure and combat readiness, the troops responded in a precise, measured and calibrated manner, resulting in the killing of ten individuals in camouflage fatigues,” a senior Assam Rifles officer said on condition of anonymity.
Following the encounter, a thorough combing operation was carried out in the area, and a significant cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, one M4 rifle and four single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) rifles, ammunition and war-like stores, were recovered from the site, the officer confirmed.
According to the officer, a preliminary assessment suggests that those killed in the operation were “known for involvement in cross-border insurgent activity”.
The identities of all 10 have yet to be ascertained but sources said they were likely from Lalim camp under commander CnC Douminlen. Further, they were likely from the much smaller rebel group United Tribal Volunteers and joined KNA-B at a later stage, a source said.
“Efforts are underway to confirm their identities. The operation has concluded and seizures have been made,” the officer said. The officer added that the situation along the Indo-Myanmar Border remains under “heightened surveillance”.
“Security forces are maintaining a robust posture and are in coordination with civil administration and intelligence agencies to ensure peace and stability in the region,” the officer said.
Chandel district is inhabited by tribals of different ethnic groups, primarily the Nagas. Manipur has a 398-km-long unfenced International Border with Myanmar. It was only last year that the Border Road Organisation (BRO) started work to fence the frontiers.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
Also Read: Killed in Pakistani shelling, BSF jawan had a dream—to build house for family in Manipur
The Kuki-Hmar-Zo people are Myanmarese. They are not Indians. They have illegally migrated across the porous Indo-Myanmar border and settled.down on Indian territory.
The government must initiate the NRC exercise in Manipur and identify every such illegal immigrant.