10 Militants Killed in Manipur Encounter Near India-Myanmar Border
Assam Rifles neutralized ten suspected militants in a fierce gunfight in Manipur’s Chandel district, close to the India-Myanmar international border. The operation was launched based on intelligence about armed cadre movement. Security forces retaliated after being fired upon, leading to the successful elimination of the militants. The operation, 130 km from Imphal, was ongoing, highlighting persistent security challenges in the region.
Unpacked:
The Assam Rifles is one of India’s oldest paramilitary forces, formed in 1835. Its main role in Manipur involves counterinsurgency, border security, and maintaining peace in conflict-prone regions, particularly near the India-Myanmar border.
Manipur’s Chandel district, bordering Myanmar, has seen activity from various insurgent groups seeking autonomy or independence. These include Naga, Kuki, and Meitei insurgent factions, some of whom use the proximity to the international border for cross-border movement and sanctuary.
Operations like this are relatively common. The Assam Rifles conducted over 425 intelligence-based operations in Manipur in the past year alone, seizing hundreds of weapons and targeting insurgent hideouts in both the Imphal Valley and hill districts.
Assam Rifles operations have sometimes been controversial, with allegations of human rights violations, especially during large-scale operations like Operation Bluebird in 1987. There were reports of torture, abuse, and long-standing legal cases, though convictions have been rare.