In an escalation of foreign-backed insurgent activity, at least 10 militants believed to be affiliated with the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) were gunned down by Assam Rifles troops near New Samtal village in Manipur’s Chandel district last night. The Indian Army’s Eastern Command confirmed the operation.
It is seen as part of a larger effort to counter foreign narco-terror aggression along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The operation was launched by Spear Corps based on precise intelligence about the infiltration of armed cadres suspected to be of Burmese origin. According to sources, the group was attempting to cross into Indian territory through the porous border in Khengjoy tehsil, a known transit corridor exploited by foreign militant groups and drug syndicates.
The militants opened fire on Indian troops during the encounter, prompting a strong and coordinated response.
“In the ensuing firefight, 10 cadres were neutralised and a sizable quantity of arms and ammunition recovered,” stated the Eastern Command in a post on X. The identity of the slain militants is yet to be confirmed, but security sources suspect them to be KNA-B and its subgroup operatives, often linked to cross-border narco-terror operations.
This encounter is being seen as a firm message to foreign-based insurgents attempting to destabilize Manipur by exploiting the border and targeting peace efforts.
Security analysts believe that such intrusions are part of a broader agenda to foment unrest in the state through narcotics-funded insurgency.
