Security forces have neutralised 27 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along a hilly route in Manipur’s Kamjong district during a 48-hour operation, while separate security actions led to the arrest of three militants and a suspected drug trafficker, officials said on Friday.
The Assam Rifles and Indian Army bomb disposal teams carried out the intelligence-based operation along an approximately eight-kilometre stretch between Shangkhalok and Pilong. The explosives were reportedly concealed among bushes along the route.
According to a defence spokesman, specialised electronic equipment and sniffer dogs were deployed to locate the IEDs before they were safely neutralised. The operation was aimed at preventing potential attacks, protecting local residents and ensuring the safe movement of communities living in the border region.
The successful recovery of the explosives is significant given the security challenges in Manipur’s hill districts, particularly those bordering Myanmar.
Kamjong is among five Manipur districts that share a 398-kilometre-long, unfenced international border with Myanmar. The other districts are Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel and Ukhrul. The porous border presents challenges for security agencies seeking to curb cross-border illegal activities.
In separate operations, security personnel arrested three alleged militants linked to banned organisations, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK). The arrests were made in different operations in Imphal East district, officials said.
Security forces also apprehended a suspected drug peddler identified as Ngamkhojang Kipgen, 35, from Tuidam village in Churachandpur district. He was allegedly carrying 785 grams of brown sugar concealed in 60 soap cases.
Meanwhile, a joint team of Manipur Police and central security personnel recovered firearms, ammunition and communication equipment during a search operation near the Waishen River under Wangoi police station in Imphal West district.
Acting on intelligence inputs, the team seized a 7.62-mm self-loading rifle (SLR) with a magazine, a single-barrel breech-loading firearm, nine rounds of assorted live ammunition and three wireless communication sets.
Officials said the recovered items are being examined as part of ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle networks involved in militant activities.
Security agencies continue to conduct search operations and area-domination exercises across Manipur, particularly in vulnerable locations, fringe areas and regions with mixed populations. The operations focus on detecting militant movements, recovering illegal arms and ammunition, and preventing further violence.
The latest actions form part of the continuing security drive by central and state forces to strengthen law and order and safeguard civilians in the violence-affected state.
