Chandel: In a major counter-insurgency operation, Assam Rifles neutralised 10 militants in an intense gunfight in Chandel district of Manipur, close to the India-Myanmar international border, officials confirmed on Thursday morning.
The encounter took place near New Samtal village in Khengjoy tehsil, approximately 130 km from Imphal, in a remote, hilly terrain with sparse population, according to security sources.
The Eastern Command of the Indian Army stated in a post on X: “Acting on specific intelligence on movement of armed cadres near the New Samtal village, Assam Rifles unit under Spear Corps launched an operation on May 14. During the operation, the troops were fired upon by suspected cadres to which they quickly reacted, redeployed and retaliated in a calibrated and measured manner. In the ensuing firefight, 10 cadres were neutralised and a sizeable quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered.”
A Defence PRO based in Kohima told PTI that the operation was still ongoing as of Thursday morning, and further details would be released once it concludes.
This marks one of the largest anti-militancy actions in the region in recent months, as security forces continue to combat insurgent activities along the volatile Indo-Myanmar border, which has historically served as a transit route for various insurgent outfits.
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