Manipur violence flared up once again on Wednesday. Assam Rifles soldiers killed a minimum of 10 militants in an intense encounter with gunfire in the Chandel district. The battle flared in New Samtal village in Khengjoy tehsil, near the India-Myanmar border. Forces launched the operation on the basis of accurate intelligence on militant movement. The operation, conducted under the Army’s Spear Corps, continues.
This is a steep rise in an area plagued by ethnic violence since May 2023. At least 260 have been killed. Over 60,000 have been displaced by fighting between Meitei society in the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo tribes in the hills.
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
Assam Rifles Troops Act Quickly, Kill 10 Militants
The militants fired at the soldiers during the operation. The troops redeployed quickly and mounted a fierce counterattack. They killed 10 armed cadres in the firefight. The soldiers also recovered a huge quantity of weapons and ammunition from the site. Authorities verified that search operations are ongoing.
The fight started after a court recommended conferring Scheduled Tribe status on the Meiteis. This was opposed by the Kuki-Zo tribes. They were afraid of losing land rights and constitutional safeguards.
This judgment sparked intense distrust between the hill and valley communities. Protests soon became violent, leading to widespread fires and uprooting of people. Security forces intervened, but tensions continue to simmer.
Army Boosts Border Security Amid Insurgent Threat
The firefight took place along the seepage-prone Indo-Myanmar border. The area has been a routine route for insurgent travel and small-arms smuggling. The Army has subsequently strengthened patrols and surveillance.
Wednesday’s encounter reflects Manipur’s chronic risk from armed groups. It also illustrates how closely police action, insurgency, and ethnic divisions are connected.
Unless authorities tackle the crisis at its core, military action will not usher in peace. The odd bout of violence will persist.
