At least 10 suspected militants were killed by the Assam Rifles in a major counter-insurgency operation in Manipur’s Chandel district, near the volatile Indo-Myanmar border, on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Assam Rifles unit under the Army’s Spear Corps launched an operation in the New Samtal area of Khengjoy tehsil, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The Army confirmed the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the site. The operation is ongoing, with security forces maintaining a high alert and efforts underway to identify the deceased militants. Officials emphasised that the action was necessary to curb insurgent activity, while local communities remain anxious amid heightened security.
Major Operation: Army Responds to Militant Fire Near Myanmar Border
According to an official statement from the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, the operation was planned after intelligence agencies reported the movement of armed insurgents near New Samtal, a village close to the porous Indo-Myanmar border. The area has long been a hotspot for cross-border militant activity, with groups often exploiting the difficult terrain and international boundary for safe passage.
“During the operation, the troops were fired upon by suspected cadres. Our personnel responded with a calibrated and measured approach to minimise collateral damage,” an Army spokesperson said. “In the ensuing firefight, 10 cadres were neutralised, and a sizeable quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered.” Visuals from the site showed automatic rifles, ammunition, and tactical gear seized by security forces.
No casualties were reported among the security personnel. The Army reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, stating that the operation would continue until the area was fully sanitised.
Background: Escalating Tensions and Persistent Insurgency
This encounter comes amid a renewed crackdown on insurgency in Manipur, a state that shares a 398-kilometre border with Myanmar and has a history of ethnic strife and militancy. Earlier this month, security agencies arrested 13 suspected members of banned outfits in coordinated raids across the state, reflecting the government’s intensified efforts to dismantle militant networks.
Chandel district, predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, has witnessed sporadic violence, often linked to cross-border incursions and extortion rackets. The ongoing unrest in Manipur-fuelled by ethnic tensions, demands for autonomy, and the presence of multiple insurgent groups-has complicated peace-building efforts.
Local residents, while appreciative of security measures, have expressed concerns about the impact of prolonged military operations on daily life and community relations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian believes that while robust security measures are sometimes necessary to restore order, lasting peace in Manipur can only be achieved through empathy, dialogue, and inclusive governance. The loss of life, regardless of affiliation, is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of conflict-be it historical grievances, lack of development, or mistrust between communities.
We urge authorities to balance security operations with meaningful engagement and confidence-building measures, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard. As citizens, how can we support efforts towards reconciliation and harmony in Manipur? What steps can local leaders and civil society take to break the cycle of violence and build a future rooted in coexistence and mutual respect?
