Security advisor to the Manipur Government Kuldiep Singh on Friday stated that intelligence reports have been shared with security chiefs regarding the infiltration of over 900 trained armed militants from Myanmar into Indian territory in Manipur, while combined forces of state and central security have been alerted in strategic areas, including border regions.
At a press conference held at Durbar Hall, CM Secretariat, Imphal, Kuldiep said that a Strategic Operation Group (SOG) meeting was conducted on September 18, chaired by him, to discuss the deployment of security forces in key areas of Manipur.
The meeting was attended by the chief of Assam Rifles (IGAR-South, IGAR-East), GOC 57 Mountain Division, chief of BSF, DGP Manipur, Home Commissioner, DG of CRPF Manipur, and other senior security officers.
On Tuesday, a letter issued by the secretary to the Chief Minister, and addressed to the DGP Manipur, security advisor, and Home Commissioner, went viral after it surfaced on social media. The letter mentioned the infiltration of over 900 Kuki militants, newly trained in the use of drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare, who have entered Manipur from Myanmar.
The letter further stated that these militants are organised into groups of 30 and are currently scattered in peripheral areas. They are expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28. The viral letter caused tensions among the general public.
Kuldiep said that security forces have been put on alert in various districts, including Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Kamjong.
Earlier, search operations were primarily focused on the seizure of arms and ammunition. However, following this new intelligence, security forces have also been directed to look for suspects, raw materials for explosives, drones, rocket parts, pipes, or bombs.
Checks are being conducted to detect transportation of rockets, as these rockets require small vehicles for transportation; each rocket weighing around 25-30 kg, he added.
Respective DCs have been alerted, and road construction, including railway tunneling areas, is being checked for explosives.
Kuldiep also stated that 468 bunkers have been destroyed since the violence began in Manipur last year. Since the deployment of anti-drone weapons, as many as 15-17 drones have been jammed.
Responding to media inquiries, Kuldiep mentioned that a Myanmarese intruder from Khampat, Myanmar was apprehended by Assam Rifles in Kachibung village, Chandel district on September 9. Whether he is a cadre of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) is still under investigation. If confirmed, additional charges under the Foreigners Act will be added, he said.
He added, “Since the violence erupted, around 533 individuals have been arrested, including some who attacked the CM’s convoy along NH-37 (Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam). Among the 6,000 arms looted, a total of 2,681 weapons have been seized. Of the seized weapons, 1,200 were looted, while 1,400 were non-looted. As many as 800 out of the 1,400 are sophisticated.”
He further stated that three exploded rockets and one unfired rocket were among the seized weapons, and security forces are still searching for the manufacturing source.
Additionally, Kuldiep mentioned that the investigation into the abduction of the personal assistant to cabinet minister L Susindro is underway, but he declined to provide further information as the rescue mission is still in progress.
The personal assistant, identified as Sarangthem Somorendro, 43, was reportedly abducted by unknown miscreants while leaving for his official duties on Friday at around 8.30 am from his residence located at Khurai Sajor Leikai Chaithabi Leirak, Imphal East.
Unidentified miscreants abducted Somorendro near his residence on Friday morning. The reason behind the abduction and the individuals responsible are yet to be ascertained, according to police reports.
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