Army Enhances Deployment, Search Ops In Manipur To Nab Armed Miscreants After Fresh Violence

The Indian Army has intensified search operations and increased deployment to nab armed miscreants after fresh violence in Manipur.

The Indian Army has intensified search operations and increased deployment to nab armed miscreants after fresh violence in Manipur. ( Image Source :Indian Army )

Guwahati: In the aftermath of the recent spurt of violence in Manipur, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched large-scale combing operations in vulnerable flash points, and also in the higher reaches, surrounding the Imphal Valley of Manipur to nab armed miscreants. Continuing its operations, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched multiple search operations in the Kangchuk, Motbung, Saikul, Pukhao and Sagolmang areas of Manipur, commencing from the wee hours of Saturday, to track down the armed insurgents, if any, operating in these areas. These operations are part of the ongoing efforts of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, to restore peace and normalcy in the northeastern state of Manipur.

The Army columns have been using latest technology weapons, equipment and other force multipliers, while operating in the densely forested mountainous areas. Relentless action by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles last night prevented the loss of life in two villages -- one in the Churachandpur district and other in the Imphal East district of Manipur.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande will be visiting Manipur on Saturday to review the situation in the strife-torn state. The Eastern Army Commander Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita will be also accompanying General Pande during his two-day visit to the crisis-hit state. The Army Chief and Lt. Gen. Kalita are also likely to meet the ground commanders, including those from other forces and review the law and order situation in the trouble-torn state.

The Army Chief is likely to return on Sunday, while Lt. Gen. Kalita is likely to stay back in Manipur for Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state scheduled to begin from May 29.

Violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 during a 'tribal solidarity march' in protest against the Meiteis’ demand of Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.

Tension in the state had been already simmering in view of the eviction of Kuki villagers from the reserve forest lands. The volcano erupted immediately after a high court order recommending a push for granting ST status to the Meiteis, which is a majority community in the state.

Since the outbreak of the violent ethnic clashes on May 3, at least 73 people have lost their lives, while over 230 people have been injured. On the other hand, more than 1,700 houses have been torched by miscreants, thus displacing over 35,000 people, who are still homeless.