10 Suspected Kuki Militants Neutralized in Assam Rifles Operation Near Myanmar Border; Arms Cache Seized
A 48-hour counterinsurgency operation in Manipur’s Chandel district, launched on 14 May, resulted in the deaths of 10 suspected militants and the recovery of a large weapons stockpile, ThePrint has learned.
New Delhi: In a significant counterinsurgency operation near the Indo-Myanmar border, Assam Rifles troops killed ten suspected members of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) in Manipur’s Chandel district, close to international border pillar No. 61, sources confirmed to ThePrint on Friday.
The operation was initiated after intelligence reports indicated militant movement near New Samtal village in Khengjoy, a remote, mountainous area roughly 130 km from Imphal. Security sources described the region as sparsely populated, making it a hotspot for insurgent activity.
According to a senior Assam Rifles officer, who spoke anonymously, troops from 1 AR—deployed for border fencing support—were ambushed with heavy gunfire. “Displaying remarkable restraint and tactical precision, our forces retaliated effectively, neutralizing ten armed individuals in camouflage,” the officer stated.
Post-engagement searches uncovered a substantial arms haul, including seven AK-47 rifles, an RPG launcher, an M4 rifle, four single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) rifles, and assorted ammunition. Preliminary assessments suggest the slain militants were involved in cross-border insurgent activities, though their identities remain unverified. Sources indicate they may have been affiliated with the United Tribal Volunteers before joining the KNA-B, operating from Lalim camp under commander CnC Douminlen.
“Investigations to confirm their identities are ongoing. The operation has concluded, and all seized materials are being processed,” the officer added. Security remains heightened along the Indo-Myanmar border, with forces coordinating closely with civil and intelligence agencies to maintain stability.
Chandel district, primarily inhabited by Naga tribes, shares a 398-km unfenced border with Myanmar. Fencing efforts, led by the Border Road Organisation (BRO), began only last year to curb illegal crossings and insurgent movement.
(Inputs from security sources)