An official release from the defence PRO stated that after security forces launched a search operation and detained 12 Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) cadres, they were forced to release them to local leaders after a mob of over 1200 people, led by women, surrounded the target area and prevented them from carrying out the operation. The search operation was carried out acting on specific intelligence, in village Itham (06 km East of Andro) in Imphal East district on June 24 morning. The forces seized arms, ammunition and war-like stores. “The area was cordoned before the specific search commenced to avoid inconvenience to the locals. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 KYKL cadres along with arms, ammunition and war-like stores,” it read.
It stated that a mob of approximately 1200-1500, led by women and the local leader immediately surrounded the target area and prevented Security Forces from continuing with the operation, despite repeated appeals, to the aggressive mob, as per law. However, it did not yield any positive results.
“Keeping in view the sensitivity of the use of kinetic force against a large irate mob and envisaged casualties due to such action, the officer on the ground made a considerate decision to hand over all 12 cadres to the local leader. Own columns lifted the cordon and left the area with weapons and war-like stores, recovered from insurgents,” it read.
According to the press release, self-styled Lt Col Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam was positively identified. “He was the mastermind of an ambush on the 6th battalion of the DOGRA case in 2015 and was amongst the apprehended cadres,” it read. A mature choice made by the Operational Commander amid the present disturbance in Manipur demonstrates the humanitarian side of the Indian Army, making every effort to minimise any collateral damage and denying the potential for escalation, according to an official announcement.
In order to bring peace and stability, the Indian Army further pleaded on the people of Manipur to support the Security Forces in upholding the law.