Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 06:
With fear of outbreak of clashes between the security forces and armed underground cadres lurking, villagers of Keiphundai, Ekgyara Mile and Bangi Chingpao area situated along National Highway 53 in Tamenglong district have reportedly fled their homesteads for safer climes.
According to information received by the press, a combined team of 26 Assam Rifles, 12 Grenadiers, CRPF and 9 Para Field Regiment have already begun mass combing operation in these areas since June 4 following a tip off of presence of underground cadres.
The bus service along the said route too have been ceased since June 4 after the army authorities allegedly gave verbal orders to the bus operators.
Sources said that the combined security forces entered Keiphundai village last night and bombarded quite a number of houses.
The Keiphundai village Church has suffered substantial damage in the action.
The residents of Jiribam, living nearby also reportedly heard sounds of intermittent bombardment and firing since last night.
Army source said that the operation is still underway but denied report of any casualties or damages.
When contacted, Superintendent of Police, Tamenglong said that police have not been intimated on the operation being launched in Keiphundai area.
However, there have been reports of firing and bombardment, the SP added.
Source said that the people of Tousem Sub-Division have requested the State Government to flush out militants from the area.
Bus service operators along Imphal-Jiribam route told The Sangai Express that the passengers are facing a great hardship owning to the tough situation.
They, however, informed that there have been no disturbance in Imphal-Tamenglong bus services.
For Jiribam passengers, they manage to detour them long National Highway 39 via Shillong by charging Rs 650 per head, the bus operators added.