HM admits security 'gaps', appeals for cooperation to 'security fencing'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 09 2026: With the recent onslaught on three border villages in Kamjong district drawing widespread condemnations, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has admitted that there were lapses in deployment of security personnel along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Govindas visited Namlee, Wanglee, and Z Choro, the three villages in Kamjong district that were attacked by suspected Myanmar based militants in the pre-dawn hours of May 7, to assess the situation.

He was accompanied by a team of MLAs, including Phungyar AC MLA Leishiyo Keishing.

Speaking to the media, Govindas stated that the attack occurred due to 'gaps' in security deployment.

HM admits security 'gaps', appeals for cooperation to 'security fencing'

The Government, nonetheless, remains cotnmitted to protecting both people and property.

Saying that such attacks occur whenever there are lapses in security deployment, he added that the Government takes the matter very seriously.

Notably, several houses and vehicles were set on fire during the assault.

Villagers claimed that almost all houses in Z Choro village were reduced to ashes, with the exception of the local church.

Multiple rounds of ammunition were reportedly fired during the attack.

Govindas assured the villagers that the Government is fully committed to safeguarding them and their property.

The Home Minister also interacted with affected villagers and Myanmar refugees taking shelter at Namlee.

He appealed to the villagers to cooperate with the Government in installing 'security fencing' along the international boundary.

Responding to claims that Myanmar-based militant groups, including PDF and KNA (B) were involved in the attack, he said the Government is currently examining the matter.

However, he said that the term "foreign aggression" was not mentioned in the report submitted to the Government, as earlier raised by local MLA Leishiyo Keishing and several organisations.

If the involvement of foreign-based armed groups is confirmed, the State Government would take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, he said.

Responding to villagers' demands for the deployment of State forces instead of the Assam Rifles or other Central forces, Govindas said the State still requires around 7,000 additional personnel in its security forces.

Acknowledging that many people prefer State forces over Central forces, he assured that the Government would consider alternative arrangements for the immediate deployment of security personnel in the border area.

Condemning the attack, the Home Minister said that a report on the incident would be submitted to the Chief Minister.

During the visit, the Home Minister reviewed the overall security situation in the area.

He said the State Government, in consultation with the Centre, would make efforts to repatriate the Myanmar refugees currently taking shelter in Manipur at the earliest possible time.