DEC 19, 2025 (IMP): Indian security forces in Manipur have begun wide, intensive area domination exercises in many foothill villages following intel inputs suggesting the possibility of cross-border intrusion by Manipur-based armed militant groups from Myanmar.
With reports of Manipur-based militants being flushed out from their bases in Myanmar, the exercise has been intensified, with security personnel stationed at multiple sensitive locations. The area domination exercises are likely to continue for two to three days.
Earlier, on November 28 in the early morning, unidentified armed militants attacked a camp of the 3rd Assam Rifles, claiming the life of one Naik Subedar and injuring three other personnel, in the area between Yangoupok and Maringthel, between Indo–Myanmar Border Pillar Nos. 87 and 89.
At the foothills of Uyok Hill near Heirok in Thoubal district, which is about 40 km away from Myanmar’s Min Thar State, heavy deployment was seen on Friday at several locations, including Heirok Keithel, Heirok Part II (Litan Makhong), Heirok Part III (Ngarouthel), and Heirok Higher Secondary School. Later in the afternoon, around 3 pm, security personnel extended patrolling further towards Thamlai village, located in the interior areas of Tengnoupal district near the Heirok foothills.
At around 8 am, joint teams comprising personnel from 31 AR, 33 AR, 46 AR, G/34 Battalion BSF, and Manipur Police conducted extensive area domination operations up to 5 km east of Heirok Police Station. The operation included foot patrols and the use of drones for aerial surveillance. In addition, elite Para Commando units were also seen landing using helicopters, which drew public attention.
Meanwhile, residents of Heirok expressed concern that such intensive security operations were creating fear and panic among the local population. Local sources urged the authorities to consider the impact of these measures on civilians and appealed for restraint.
Heirok Apunba Club spokesperson Moirangthem Rameshwar Meitei, representing various local clubs, appealed to the security forces to reconsider such aggressive measures, stating that they could adversely affect the safety and well-being of civilians.
He further questioned the rationale behind imposing strict security measures in Heirok when incidents such as bomb attacks had occurred in Torbung, asking why adequate security deployment was not ensured in areas where such attacks actually took place.
Additionally, local residents opposed the reported proposal to establish a security camp near Ayokpa Hill in Heirok, stating that it was unacceptable to the people of the area.
