Security Advisor confirms infiltration of 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar
'Attack on Meitei villages suspected on Sept 28'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 20 2024: The intelligence report that 900 trained armed militants from Myanmar have entered Indian territory in Manipur has been shared with security chiefs, said Security Advisor to Government of Manipur, Kuldiep Singh.

Combined forces of State and Central security agencies have been alerted in strategic areas including border areas, the Security Advisor said in a press conference held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat today.

A letter from the Chief Minister addressed to the DGP, the Security Advisor and the Home Commissioner surfaced on social media on September 17 .

The letter mentioned the report that over 900 Kuki militants, newly trained in the use of drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare, have entered Manipur from Myanmar.

Security Advisor confirms infiltration of 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar

"These militants are organized in groups of 30 and are currently scattered in peripheral areas.

They are expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28" .

The viral official letter, which has caused significant tension among the public, was confirmed not as fake by the Security Advisor.

"A Strategic Operation Group (SOG) meeting was held on September 18 and the deployment of security forces in key areas of Manipur was discussed," Kuldiep said.

He chaired the meeting attended by the Chief of Assam Rifles (IGAR-South, IGAR-East), GOC 57 Mountain Division, chief of BSF, DGP Manipur, Home Commissioner, DG of CRPF Manipur, and other senior security officers.

Security forces have been put on alert in various districts, including Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Tengnoupal, Chandel and others, he added.

Earlier, search operations were primarily focused on the seizure of arms and ammunition.

Following this new intelligence report, security forces have also been directed to look for suspects, raw materials for explosives, drones, rocket parts, pipes or bombs, Kuldiep said.

The transportation of rockets is also being monitored.

These rockets require small vehicles for transportation as each rocket weighs around 25-30 kg, he added.

"Respective DCs have been alerted, and road construction, including railway tunnel areas, is being checked for explosives" .

A total of 468 bunkers have been destroyed since the violence erupted.

With the deployment of anti-drone weapons, 15-17 drones have been jammed, the Security Advisor said.

A total of around 533 individuals have been arrested, including some who attacked the CM's convoy along NH-37 (Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam).

Among the 6,000 arms looted, a total of 2,681 weapons have been seized and recovered.

However, of the recovered weapons, 1,200 were looted ones, while 1,400 were non-looted weapons.

Out of the 1,400 weapons, 800 are sophisticated, he added.

Three exploded rockets and one unfired rocket were among the seized weapons, and security forces are still searching for the manufacturing source, he said.

A Myanmar intruder from Khampat, Myanmar, was apprehended by Assam Rifles from Kachibung village in Chandel district on September 9 .

"It is not yet confirmed if he is a cadre of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B)," the Security Advisor said.

India Today North East reports that the Security Advisor criticized former DG PC Nair's claim regarding the absence of drone usage in recent bombings, labeling it as "his understanding and his problem" .

Singh indicated that criminal action could follow if formal complaints are filed regarding Nair's statements.