10 Militants Killed in Assam Rifles Operation Near Indo-Myanmar Border in Manipur’s Chandel District

Chandel, Manipur – May 15, 2025: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in Manipur, the Assam Rifles eliminated 10 armed militants in a high-intensity operation near the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the elite unit of the paramilitary force launched a precise and coordinated offensive near New Samtal village in Khengjoy Tehsil on May 14.

The militants reportedly opened fire upon detecting the movement of the security forces. In response, the troops retaliated swiftly and tactically, neutralizing the threat in a calibrated and measured manner. The operation was carried out under the aegis of the Spear Corps of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.

A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the slain militants, indicating a potential threat that could have escalated if not intercepted in time. The Eastern Command confirmed the success of the operation via its official handle on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

#IndianArmy#EasternCommand

Acting on specific intelligence on movement of armed cadres nearby New Samtal village, Khengjoy Tehsil, #Chandel District near the #Indo_MyanmarBorder, #AssamRifles unit under #SpearCorps launched an operation on 14 May 2025.

During the operation,… pic.twitter.com/KLgyuRSg11

— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) May 14, 2025

“Acting on specific intelligence on movement of armed cadres nearby New Samtal village, Chandel District near the Indo-Myanmar Border, Assam Rifles unit under Spear Corps launched an operation on 14 May 2025… 10 cadres were neutralised and a sizeable quantity of arms and ammunition have been recovered. Operation is still in progress,” the Eastern Command posted.

Ongoing Unrest in Manipur

This operation comes amid continuing unrest in Manipur, which has been reeling from ethnic clashes since May 2023. The violence, largely between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has claimed over 130 lives and left more than 400 people injured. The situation has displaced over 60,000 residents, forcing them to take shelter in relief camps or safer zones.

With tensions still simmering in several regions, security forces including the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and local police remain deployed in sensitive and vulnerable areas to maintain law and order.

Strategic Significance of the Indo-Myanmar Border

The Indo-Myanmar border, particularly in districts like Chandel, has long been a hotbed for insurgent movement, given its porous terrain and cross-border linkages. This latest operation underlines the Indian security forces’ vigilance and preparedness in tackling such threats head-on.

As of now, the operation remains ongoing, with combing operations being carried out in adjacent forested areas to track down any remaining insurgents or sleeper cells.