In a significant counter-insurgency operation, the Assam Rifles have successfully neutralized 10 militants and seized a substantial cache of weapons near New Samtal village in Manipur’s Chandel district. This operation, executed on May 14, 2025, took place in an area renowned for its insurgent activities and cross-border smuggling, close to the Indo-Myanmar border.
According to a statement from the PRO Defence in Kohima, the operation was initiated based on specific intelligence reports concerning the movement of armed groups in the vicinity. Troops from the Assam Rifles, operating under the Spear Corps, launched their mission in the Khengjoy Tehsil of Chandel, a region that is both remote and prone to insurgency.
During the operation, forces recovered an impressive arsenal, including seven AK-47 rifles, one M4 carbine, one RPG launcher, four single-barrel breech-loading rifles, and a significant quantity of ammunition and other war-like materials. The identities and affiliations of the slain militants have yet to be established, and investigations are ongoing.
Security officials have pointed out that the porous nature of the Indo-Myanmar border presents a continual security challenge, particularly in the wake of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, which has exacerbated issues of smuggling, arms trafficking, and militant activities. This recent operation is seen as a considerable setback for these networks, which pose threats to the fragile stability of the region.
The swift and decisive actions taken by the Assam Rifles have been lauded for their role in maintaining order in Manipur, a state historically plagued by ethnic tensions and insurgency-related violence. Authorities believe that the seized weapons could lead to valuable insights into the wider networks facilitating insurgent activities throughout northeast India.
Further updates are anticipated as officials continue their investigation into the militant group’s origins and any possible connections across the border.
