Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a major counter-insurgency operation, Indian security forces gunned down at least 10 militants in Manipur’s Chandel district on Wednesday, May 14. The gunfight occurred near New Samtal village along the India–Myanmar border after armed insurgents opened fire on the troops.
The Army retaliated with precision, neutralizing the attackers in a well-coordinated operation led by the Assam Rifles under the Spear Corps. According to official sources, the encounter is part of an ongoing statewide crackdown on insurgent groups active in Manipur.
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.
During the operation,… pic.twitter.com/KLgyuRSg11
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) May 14, 2025
The Eastern Command of the Indian Army posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Assam Rifles acted on specific intelligence about militant movement in New Samtal village. This area lies in the Khengjoi sub-division, close to the international border.
The militants initiated the gunfire. In response, soldiers quickly repositioned and launched a calibrated counter-assault. The firefight resulted in the deaths of 10 heavily armed cadres. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the site.
Security forces have intensified operations across Manipur following repeated reports of militant regrouping and cross-border movement. Wednesday’s action follows a joint security operation on May 10 that led to the arrest of 13 militants.
Police sources confirmed that the arrested individuals were active members of banned insurgent outfits. These groups were reportedly involved in extortion and armed activities targeting civilians and state infrastructure.
Among those arrested were Ningthoujam Kiran Meitei alias Boinao (29) of Lairenkabi Mayai Leikai and Sorokhaibam Inaocha Singh (45) of Salam Mamang Leikai. Both men belong to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party – People’s War Group [KCP (PWG)] and hail from Imphal West district.
The Army has not yet declared the operation complete. Sources say additional units are sweeping the region to eliminate any remaining threats. The presence of insurgents near the Myanmar border remains a significant concern for security forces.
With recent arrests and armed encounters, Manipur remains on high alert. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring peace and dismantling insurgent networks operating in the state.
