Editor
Imphal, East District: Acting on reliable intelligence, security forces launched a well-coordinated operation in Itham Village, located 6 kilometers east of Andro, in Imphal East today morning. The operation aimed to apprehend members of the Kangleipak Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) insurgent group. To minimize disruption to local residents, a careful search was conducted after establishing a cordon in the area. As a result, 12 KYKL cadres were successfully apprehended, along with a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and war-like stores.
Of notable importance was the positive identification of self-styled Lt Col Moirangthem Tamba, also known as Uttam, among the 12 apprehended cadres. Lt Col Tamba is considered the mastermind behind the 2015 ambush case involving the 6 DOGRA regiment.
However, the operation faced unexpected challenges as a mob of approximately 1,200 to 1,500 people, predominantly women and led by a local leader, swiftly gathered and encircled the target area. Despite repeated appeals by the security forces to allow the operation to proceed lawfully, the aggressive mob remained unyielding.
Given the sensitivity of employing kinetic force against a large and volatile crowd, particularly one consisting mostly of women, and the potential for casualties, the operational commander made a judicious decision. It was determined that handing over all 12 apprehended cadres to the local leader was the most prudent course of action. Subsequently, the security forces lifted the cordon and departed the area, taking with them the recovered weapons and war-like stores seized from the insurgents.
This display of maturity and consideration on the part of the operational commander exemplifies the humane approach of the Indian Army, which strives to minimize collateral damage during the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
The Indian Army appeals to the people of Manipur to extend their cooperation to the security forces in maintaining law and order, with the ultimate aim of bringing lasting peace and stability to the region.