Intensified search operation in Moreh by combined security forces turn fruitless; no cadres found in designated camps of KNA, UKLF; Para commandos stop state forces from proceeding towards T. Yangnom Village and D. Monophai Village of the border town
Interestingly, the Indo-Myanmar border of Indian North East states has been guarded by the Assam Rifles. Any person who visited Moreh does not need evidence to prove the presence of Assam Rifles troopers at KLP – Chikim Village, S. Moljol Village, Ngamkhai Veng, Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate No.1, T. Minou and Chongjang Village. Source said that at least one company of the 5 Assam Rifles under the command of not below the rank of a Major are deployed in these villages. The reason, undesignated and designated camps of the armed Kuki militant groups – the KNA and the UKLF were reportedly present. The source further said that the UKLF had its armed training camp at S. Moljol Village, Moreh, while the cadres of the KNA were getting training at Tribal Training Center, Moreh Ward No. 1. If one analysed the security arrangement of the Assam Rifles in and at the periphery of Moreh town, it is next to impossible for armed intruders from entering India (Moreh) or either crossed to Myanmar side.
In June, after around a month since the outbreak of the violence on May 3, there were reports of armed militants using the civilians as shields to attack the state police force deployed in Moreh. This newspaper also reported that ‘Moreh’ town has become a paradise for armed militants both from India and those in Myanmar waging war against the Myanmar government as per evidence with this newspaper.
On October 31, one police officer (SDPO) was shot dead while inspecting helipad construction at Eastern Shine School ground. Following the attack, state police reinforced and started combing the border town within 24 hours.
What is surprising is that the police team which went to normalise the situation at Moreh were ambushed at two locations injuring three of the personnel. Braving the attack by the armed militants the state police team led by Inspector General Themthing reached Moreh town and started a combing operation.
Security Advisor to Chief Minister Kuldiep Singh while talking to media yesterday had stated that combined forces of state and Assam rifles along with the other CAPF have been conducting operations at Moreh to nab the culprit involved in the killing of SDPO Anand.
However, report reaching here said that the security forces while conducting the area suspected, the presence of armed militants was not found. Even at the designated camps none were found, a source said.
At around 4 am today a team of Manipur Police Special Commando rushed at T. Yangnom Village and D. Monophai Village site however before they reached the site, personnel of the 21 Para Commandoes were already there. Their indication for retreat made no choice to the state police commando but to return. Similar things happened earlier too and we had to return back without conducting any operation even after knowing that armed militants were present, a police commando told Imphal Times.
The question that comes now is why the security forces failed to arrest any armed militants during the operation. How did these armed militants manage to escape towards Myanmar when the Assam Rifles were deployed on the border with full strength? Something fishy seems to be going on, in the security of Manipur.
An unconfirmed report reaching here said that many people from the Kuki community are thronging at the 5th Assam Rifles camp urging them to provide shelter. However, there is no confirmation on whether the Assam Rifles had allowed them to enter their camp or not.
