Assam Rifles, Militants Clash Near Border

A fierce encounter between Assam Rifles personnel and militants broke out along Manipur’s India–Myanmar border on Friday, with security operations continuing through the day, officials said.

A defence spokesperson and a police official confirmed that a patrolling unit of the Assam Rifles came under fire from terrorists on Friday morning.

The troops responded with “controlled and cautious fire” to ensure civilian safety, the spokesperson said.

Additional forces have been deployed to the area, and the operation remains in progress. Further details are awaited.

Manipur shares a 398 km unfenced border with Myanmar, making it highly vulnerable to cross-border militant movement, infiltration by inimical elements and large-scale drug smuggling.

In separate joint operations, security forces have arrested six individuals, including five militants of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), allegedly involved in extortion in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.

Police officials said the cadres had been targeting the public, contractors, government employees, petrol pumps, private schools and colleges across the Imphal valley.

Among those arrested, KCP member Khulem Robindro Singh (36) was reportedly involved in recruiting youths for the outfit.

In another operation, security forces arrested Yumnam Chandra Singh (42), also known as Baby, from Kontha Ahallup Makha Leikai in Imphal East.

Two high-power 36 HE grenades, a mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered from his possession.

Security forces continue extensive crackdowns across multiple districts, with search operations and area domination drives underway in fringe, mixed-populated and vulnerable regions.

A total of 115 nakas and checkpoints have been set up across valley and hill districts to curb illegal movement of suspicious individuals and vehicles.

Escorts are also being provided to trucks carrying essential commodities along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), with convoy protection strengthened on sensitive stretches.

Manipur Police urged residents to avoid spreading rumours or circulating unverified content online.

“The veracity of any circulation of unfounded videos or audio clips may be confirmed from the Central Control Room. Uploading and circulating fake posts on social media will attract legal action,” a police statement warned.

—IANS