In a significant blow to insurgent activity in Manipur, the Assam Rifles neutralised at least 10 militants during a fierce gunbattle in Chandel district. The operation, launched near New Samtal village in the Khengjoy region close to the Indo-Myanmar border, is still ongoing and has led to the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
According to officials, the encounter began after security forces detected suspicious movements of armed militants in the area. As the troops approached, they came under fire and responded swiftly with calibrated force.
The Indian Army&rsquo;s Eastern Command confirmed the development, stating: &ldquo;Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of armed cadres near New Samtal, the Assam Rifles unit under Spear Corps launched an operation on May 14. Upon being fired upon, troops retaliated decisively, resulting in the neutralisation of 10 militants and recovery of a sizeable quantity of arms and ammunition.&rdquo;
Although the identities of the deceased militants have not yet been revealed, authorities believe the operation dealt a major setback to insurgent networks operating in the region.
This action is part of a wider crackdown on insurgent groups across Manipur, where intensified counter-insurgency efforts are underway. On the same day, security forces conducted a coordinated series of raids in four districts &mdash; Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Tengnoupal &mdash; leading to the arrest of 14 militants from proscribed groups, along with three illegal arms dealers.
Those apprehended are reportedly linked to banned outfits including Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People&rsquo;s Liberation Army (PLA), People&rsquo;s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). These groups have been associated with criminal activities such as abduction, extortion, and threats to public safety.
Authorities also recovered arms, ammunition, Aadhaar cards, incriminating documents, and other materials from those arrested.
These developments mark a continued and determined push by security agencies to dismantle insurgent operations and restore peace in the violence-affected state.

Major anti-insurgency operation near Indo-Myanmar border targets militant stronghold in Chandel district

Assam Rifles Kill 10 Militants in Fierce Manipur Encounter; Arms Seized

Major anti-insurgency operation near Indo-Myanmar border targets militant stronghold in Chandel district

May 15, 2025 | 10:30 IST