Army, AR launch operations to restore peace in Manipur

IMPHAL: The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched large-scale combing operations in the aftermath of the fresh violence in the Imphal Valley to restore peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state of Manipur.

The operations have also been launched in the vulnerable flash points and in the higher reaches surrounding Imphal Valley. Continuing with operations, the Army and Assam Rifles launched multiple search operations in the areas of Kangchuk, Motbung, Saikul, Pukhao, and Sagolmang in the early hours of May 27 in Manipur to track down any armed insurgents operating in these areas.

These operations are part of the overall ongoing efforts of the Army and Assam Rifles to restore peace and normalcy in the State of Manipur.

Army columns are using the latest technology in weapons, equipment, and other force multipliers while operating in forested mountainous areas.

Relentless actions by the Army and Assam Rifles on Friday night also resulted in the successful prevention of loss of life in Churachandpur and Imphal East Districts.

Defence sources said that the COAS arrived in Imphal on Saturday on a two-day visit. He will visit various districts, where he will interact with the local commanders and obtain a first-hand account of the ground situation.

General Pande will also interact with the troops.

On Sunday, he will meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and Chief Security Advisor to Manipur Kuldiep Singh and discuss and deliberate over the current situation and future trajectory in order to restore normalcy in the trouble-torn state at the earliest.

A Manipur government official said that in view of the widespread ethnic violence in at least 11 of the 16 districts of the state, the state administration had requisitioned the Army and Assam Rifles on May 3.

As an immediate response, the Army and Assam Rifles deployed 135 columns of troops to diffuse the situation by carrying out active dominance of the sensitive and fringe areas.

Approximately 35,000 people from different communities have been evacuated to safe zones, and immediate relief and humanitarian aid have been provided to the displaced civilians by the Army and Assam Rifles.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who is now on a visit to the strife-torn state, said that Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to reach Manipur for a three-day visit on May 29.

Meanwhile, Eastern Command Army Chief Lt Gen R.P. Kalita visited Manipur's several sensitive and mixed-populated districts from May 22–24 to assess and review the ground security situation. He visited Kangpokpi, Matripukhri, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Yaingangpokpi, and Moreh, where he was updated on the security situation by the local commanders. (ANI)

Also Read:Sittwe Port in Myanmar, B’desh rail link highlight NE growth push

Also Watch: