At least 10 militants were killed in a major counter-insurgency operation by the Assam Rifles in Chandel district of Manipur. The operation, which started on Wednesday, May 14, is still going on, reports said citing officials.
The gunfight took place near New Samtal village in Khengjoy area, close to the Indo-Myanmar border. Security forces noticed suspicious movement of armed militants and launched the operation based on specific intelligence input.
When the troops approached the area, the militants opened fire. The Assam Rifles responded quickly and strongly. In the firefight that followed, 10 militants were killed. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was also recovered.
“Acting on specific intelligence on movement of armed cadres nearby New Samtal village, Khengjoy Tehsil, #Chandel District near the #Indo_MyanmarBorder, #AssamRifles unit under #SpearCorps launched an operation on 14 May 2025,” a tweet from Eastern Command of the Indian Army read.
“During the operation, the troops were fired upon by suspected cadres to which they quickly reacted, redeployed and retaliated in a calibrated and measured manner. In the ensuing firefight 10 cadres were neutralized and a sizeable quantity of arms and ammunition have been recovered. Operation is still in progress,” the tweet further read.
The identities of the killed militants have not been shared yet, but officials said this is a major blow to insurgent groups in the area.
This operation comes as part of increased efforts by security forces to target militant groups active in Manipur.
On the same day, security forces carried out a joint operation in four districts — Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Tengnoupal — and arrested 14 militants and three illegal arms dealers.
The arrested persons belong to banned groups such as KYKL, PLA, PREPAK, and KCP, police said. These groups have been involved in kidnapping, extortion, and other crimes.
Security personnel recovered arms, ammunition, Aadhaar cards, and other important documents during the raids.
These actions are part of a larger crackdown by security agencies in Manipur to control militant violence and break insurgent networks.
