Imphal: A fierce exchange of fire broke out between Assam Rifles personnel and militants along the India–Myanmar border in Manipur on Friday, officials said, adding that the operation remains underway.
A defence spokesperson said a patrol team of the Assam Rifles came under sudden fire on Friday morning.
The troops retaliated “with controlled and cautious fire” to prevent civilian casualties, while reinforcements were rushed to the area. Police officials confirmed the incident but said further details are awaited.
Manipur shares a 398-km unfenced border with Myanmar, making the region prone to infiltration by militants, cross-border crime and drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, in separate joint operations, security forces have arrested six individuals, including five cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), for alleged extortion across Imphal East and Imphal West districts over the past 24 hours.
Police said those arrested were targeting the public, contractors, government employees, petrol pumps, private schools and government colleges in the Imphal Valley.
One of them, Khulem Robindro Singh (36), is believed to have been recruiting youths for the outfit.
In another case, security forces arrested Yumnam Chandra Singh (42), also known as Baby, from his residence in Imphal East.
Two high-power 36 HE grenades, a mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were seized.
ALSO READ: Ice Age-era thorny bamboo fossil unearthed in Manipur
Security agencies continue extensive crackdowns across the state, conducting search operations and area domination drives in vulnerable and mixed-population zones.
A total of 115 checkpoints have been set up across hill and valley districts to curb the movement of militants and suspicious vehicles.
Escorts for trucks carrying essential commodities along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) remain in place, with strict security and convoy protection deployed in sensitive stretches.
Manipur Police have urged the public not to fall for rumours or manipulated videos circulating online.
“The authenticity of any such video or audio clip may be verified with the Central Control Room. Uploading or circulating fake content will invite legal action,” the police warned.
