Three alleged Hmar militants, including two from Manipur, were killed in a heavy exchange of gunfire with Cachar Police in Bhuvan Pahar, Cachar district in Assam on Wednesday.
The gunfight took place at the East Dholai area of Ganganagar during a search operation after Cachar Police apprehended the militants, as per sources.
The three suspects who were traveling in an autorickshaw were detained and arrested after finding an AK-47 from their possession during search.
Sources said that Cachar Police escorted the detainees to Bhuvan Pahar to conduct a search operation in the night. Another AK-47 and an additional assault rifle were found during the search operation.
The police team was ambushed from the nearby jungle afterwards resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Three alleged militants were killed in the gunfight while three police officials were injured. A police vehicle was also damaged.
One of the deceased has been identified as a resident of Cachar, while the remaining two were from Manipur. They had traveled to Assam via Mizoram, as per sources.
Their bodies have been deposited to the morgue of Silchar Medical College and Hospital.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa posted about the operation on X, “In an early morning operation, @cacharpolice killed 3 Hmar militants from Assam and neighbouring Manipur. Police also recovered 2 AK rifles, 1 other rifle, and 1 pistol.”
Meanwhile, Cachar police reportedly apprehended another Hmar militant in possession of arms on Wednesday after the killing of three Hmar militants.
It may be mentioned that security measures have been tightented in certain locations bordering Jiribam district, Manipur and Assam following the incidents of attacks on security forces by Kuki militants.
The killing of three Hmar militants took place three days after a CRPF jawan was killed in an ambush by Kuki militants in Jiribam district. Three security personnel were also injured in the attack.
