Imphal, December 24: The Assam Rifles have claimed that yet another hide out of the UNLF was busted on December 22 in the ongoing offensive launched at Samtal and Dingpi area.

In a statement, the PRO of Assam Rifles said that troops recovered eight kgs of PEK explosives, one RPG round, eight magazines, nine fired cases of Lathode, 15 blankets, four 9 volt batteries, one 12 volt car batteries, eight jerry cans, 13 plates, 12 bowls, one entrenching tool, one duty register, two 6 inches medicine from the busted hideout.

This was the second major success of the troops in two days, said the statement and added that the militants ran away on seeing the approaching security personnel.

Meanwhile, IGAR (South) Maj General BK Chengappa visited the troops deployed in the remote area of Samtal at Changjal, Tuitung and Old Samtal as well as the busted hide outs of the militants on December 21 and 22, said the PRO.

The IG reviewed the progress of the operations and praised them for the good work done.

So far the operation has not caused any civilian casualty and the IG complimented the troops for this, said the PRO and added that the militants have been fleeing the area without putting up any fight.

The IG also interacted with the villagers and promised that the Assam Rifles will do everything possible for the well being of the people in the area, said the statement further.

The PRO said that the IG also wished the villagers a very happy Christmas as well as New Year and hoped that 2008 will usher in an era of peace and prosperity for them and the people of Manipur.

The Maj Gen also exhorted the militants to give up arms and join the mainstream and work for the development of Manipur.