In a significant display of counter-insurgency efforts, the Indian Army alongside the Assam Rifles has conducted a series of coordinated operations in Manipur from May 19 to May 25. These operations, supported by the Spear Corps, resulted in the apprehension of 13 insurgents and the recovery of 23 weapons, marking a crucial win for security forces in the region.
Collaborating closely with the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Border Security Force (BSF), the operations spanned multiple districts including Kangpokpi, Senapati, Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal. The military actions were guided by precise intelligence inputs that facilitated the identification and targeting of insurgent hideouts.
During these operations, a substantial cache of weaponry and warlike materials was seized. Among the recovered items were automatic rifles, pistols, grenades, improvised mortars, and significant quantities of ammunition. Notably, some of the arms included indigenous firearms, showcasing the innovation of local insurgents who have resorted to constructing weapons with bamboo and other easily accessible materials. This adaptation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in countering insurgent tactics amid restricted access to conventional armaments.
Field visuals reveal security personnel actively engaging in the recovery of arms in dense forest settings, employing metal detectors to locate hidden caches. Photographs also display the apprehended insurgents alongside the confiscated equipment in civilian areas, reflecting the complexities of insurgent operations intertwined with local populations.
The individuals captured and the confiscated materials have been handed over to the Manipur Police for legal proceedings and further investigation. This latest success follows previous joint operations in the state, where security forces recovered 35 weapons from areas under insurgent control, including Thoubal, Tengnoupal, and Bishnupur. These continuous efforts underscore an enduring commitment to neutralizing militancy in the region.
Manipur remains a focal point for insurgent activity, largely fueled by ethnic tensions among various groups such as the Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar. A recent report from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicates that the state accounted for 77 percent of insurgency-related incidents in Northeast India in 2023, underscoring its significance for national security.
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have reiterated their dedication to restoring peace and stability in Manipur. They emphasize that these joint operations will continue as part of a broader strategy aimed at eradicating insurgent threats and fostering an environment conducive to long-term peace and developmental initiatives across the conflict-affected regions of the Northeast.
