A gunbattle erupted on Friday morning between Assam Rifles personnel and militants along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur, officials said, adding that four security personnel have suffered injuries as the operations in the area remain ongoing.
A defence spokesperson stated that a patrol team of the Assam Rifles came under sudden fire, prompting troops to respond “with controlled and cautious fire” to minimise civilian casualties. Reinforcements were immediately dispatched to the site to strengthen the operation.
Police confirmed the encounter but said further details are awaited. Manipur shares a 398-km unfenced boundary with Myanmar, making it vulnerable to infiltration, cross-border crime and militant activities.
Meanwhile, in separate operations over the past 24 hours, security forces arrested six individuals in Imphal East and West, including five cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), on charges of extortion. The arrests targeted persons allegedly demanding money from contractors, government employees, petrol pumps, private schools and government colleges across the Imphal Valley.
One of the arrested, Khulem Robindro Singh, 36, is believed to have been recruiting youths for the militant outfit. Another, Yumnam Chandra Singh, 42, also known as Baby, was taken from his residence in Imphal East. Security forces recovered two high-power 36 HE grenades, a mobile phone and an Aadhaar card during the operation.
Also read: Three militants held in Manipur over Sangai festival bomb threat
Security agencies continue extensive area domination drives and search operations across the state, particularly in vulnerable and mixed-population zones. A total of 115 checkpoints have been established across hill and valley districts to restrict militant movement and monitor suspicious vehicles.
Convoy protection remains in place along sensitive stretches of the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) to safeguard trucks carrying essential commodities. Authorities have called on the public to avoid spreading rumours or manipulated content circulating online.
“The authenticity of any such video or audio clip may be verified with the Central Control Room. Uploading or circulating fake content will invite legal action,” Manipur Police warned.
The heightened security measures follow a series of operations aimed at dismantling the network of local militant groups, securing the state’s porous borders and maintaining law and order in sensitive areas.
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