Swift Army operation thwarts arson attempt, 22 miscreants apprehended

Imphal, May 29, 2023, IANS

The Army has successfully apprehended a group of 22 armed individuals who attempted to set houses on fire in the Imphal East District of Manipur. According to an official statement on Monday, the Army also recovered a cache of weapons from the possession of these miscreants.

A spokesperson from the Defence Department revealed that upon receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of armed individuals intending to burn down houses in the hilly region encompassing Sanasabi, Gwaltabi, and Shabunkhol Khunao, a substantial number of Army troops were immediately mobilized on Sunday night. In response, multiple Mobile Vehicle Check Posts were promptly established, and extensive search operations were carried out in the area.

The official further explained that during the operation, the miscreants launched an attack on the Army soldiers and opened fire, as they were determined to carry out their destructive plans. However, due to the proactive and swift action taken by the Army, a total of 22 miscreants were apprehended. The confiscated weapons included five 12-bore double-barrel rifles, three single-barrel rifles, one locally-made double-bore weapon, and one muzzle-loaded weapon.

The Defence spokesperson emphasized that the timely intervention by the Army successfully prevented the loss of lives, homes, and other valuable properties. Moreover, it averted multiple incidents of arson that could have ensued. Following their apprehension, all 22 miscreants, along with the seized weapons and war-like stores, were handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, in response to fresh incidents in the Kakching district, the Army mobilized a range of resources to conduct large-scale civilian rescue operations. Reports from the media indicated that armed militants had attacked villagers in Sugnu, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of at least four individuals, including two commandos, while 12 others sustained injuries.

As a result, the Army, in coordination with the Assam Rifles, police, district administration, and civil society organizations, successfully evacuated approximately 2,000 Meitei villagers from Serou to the Pangaltabi Relief Camp, utilizing both military and private vehicles under the protection of the Assam Rifles. Aerial surveillance was provided by drones to ensure the safety of the displaced individuals during the evacuation process, while Mine Protected Vehicles and area domination patrols were deployed on the ground to maintain a secure environment.

The Defence spokesperson also mentioned that medical assistance was provided by service doctors to those in need. Moreover, around 328 Kuki villagers were safely evacuated from Sugnu village to Sajik Tampak. (Edited)