Imphal, January 10: Asserting that the security forces have made rapid and successful progress in its drive against the UNLF and other militants in New Samtal area by launching an operation since November 18 last year under the aegis of the Army and Assam Rifles, the PRO of Assam Rifles in a statement today said that the troops have reached and cleared the last village in New Samtal and New Lajang today.

In a statement, the PRO said that all the UNLF cadres and other militants have fled from the area and is now free of all militants.

On January 7 13 UNLF cadres were killed, claimed the AR PRO and added that the villagers who had been displaced earlier due to fear of the UGs and IEDs have started returning to their villages.

A total of 19 villages have been cleared of militants and IEDs, claimed the PRO further.

IGAR (S) Maj Gen BK Chengappa called on the Governor and confirmed the clearance of militants from Samtal, said the statement.

The Chief Minister has also provided a truck of rice, kerosene oil and other relief material for Samtal region, said the AR PRO and added that the CM also assured that all steps will be taken to develop infrastructure including road constructions, provision for food, medicines and other supplies as well as reviving the administrative set up.

The agencies of the State Government will also be strengthened, said the PRO quoting the Chief Minister.

Efforts are now on to clear all roads, tracks and the nearby areas of IEDs, said the statement.

The troops have suffered 20 casualties during IED clearing operations, said the statement and added that a total of 195 IEDs have been recovered and destroyed.