Imphal: Ten Myanmar nationals known for involvement in cross-border insurgent activity were killed in a gunfight with the Assam Rifles along the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur.
In a significant operational development near New Samtal village in Chandel district of Manipur, along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB), a patrol of the Assam Rifles was fired upon heavily by suspected cadres on May 14, the Assam Rifles said in a statement released on Friday.
“Demonstrating exceptional composure and combat readiness, the soldiers responded in a precise, measured and calibrated manner. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of ten individuals in camouflage fatigues,” it said. “Accordingly, a thorough combing operation of the area was carried out, wherein a significant cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, one M4 rifle and four single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) rifles, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered,” it added.
“Preliminary assessments suggest that the neutralised individuals were known for involvement in cross-border insurgent activity. Efforts are underway to confirm their identities. The situation along the IMB remains under heightened surveillance. Security forces are maintaining a robust posture and are in coordination with civil administration and intelligence agencies to ensure peace and stability in the region,” the Assam Rifles said.
Manipur Police confirmed that the deceased were Myanmar nationals and that their bodies were handed over to Myanmar authorities. The security forces failed to disclose the proper identity of the deceased.
