10 militants killed in Assam Rifles operation near Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel District

Security forces gunned down at least 10 militants during an encounter in Manipur’s Chandel district, near the Indo-Myanmar border, officials confirmed on Thursday. The gun battle, involving a unit of the Assam Rifles under the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, broke out during a counter-insurgency operation launched on May 14.
According to the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, the operation was initiated following credible intelligence inputs about the movement of armed cadres near New Samtal village in Khengjoy subdivision of Chandel. The region, located approximately 130 km from Imphal, is a remote and sparsely populated hilly area along the porous 398-km international border with Myanmar.
“During the operation, troops came under fire from suspected insurgents. The forces responded swiftly, redeployed tactically, and engaged in a controlled and calibrated retaliation,” read an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Eastern Command. “In the ensuing exchange of fire, 10 militants were neutralised, and a significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site.”
As of Thursday morning, the operation was still underway, according to a Defence PRO based in Kohima. Authorities are withholding further details until the operation concludes. The identities and affiliations of the slain militants have not yet been disclosed.
Chandel is a tribal-dominated hill district with a predominantly Naga population. It has long been a hotspot for insurgent activities due to its strategic location along the border and difficult terrain. The latest operation marks one of the most significant encounters in the region in recent months.
Security forces continue to maintain a strong presence in the area, and further developments are awaited as the combing operations proceed.