Imphal, October 13: After the claim of sanitising Sajik Tampak, Henglep, Parbung and Tipaimukh areas from the dominance of underground elements, security forces are chalking out minute details to launch a massive counter-insurgency operation in Somtal area of Chandel district.

According to a reliable source, strength of security forces deployed in the State would be enhanced manifold with the arrival of additional battalion of the Army and other para-military forces ahead of the ninth state Assembly elections slated for February next year.

security force agencies have been capitalising on election schedules, particularly in the context of Manipur, to increase number of security personnel in the state as was witnessed in the run-up to the previous polls.

Reinforced security strength was utilised in driving out activists of various underground organisations from Sajik Tampak and adjoining areas before the security forces' dominance spread towards Jiribam, Vangai Range and interiors of Churachandpur district.

mention may be made that inspite of contradictory comments from top officials of the Army and Assam Rifles regarding success of previous operations, both had conceded that many remote areas of Chandel district bordering Myanmar, especially Somtal range are still the domain of UG groups.

In a recent comment at Parbung sub-division of Churachandpur district, Commander of 3 Corps ZU Shah had acknowledged that despite clearing Parbung and tipaimukh areas from UGs' clutches neither the Army nor the Assam Rifles had been able to foray into Somtal.

Recalling that the Myanmar military Junta had assured Indian Government officials all possible assistance in flushing out underground elements from the Indo-Myanmar border areas, the source cited porous boundaries Chandel, Churachandpur and Ukhrul districts share with Myanmar as main reason for not launching concerted counter-insurgency operations.

Elucidating on the comment the source said with the insurgents likely to escape to the Myanmar side in case an offensive is launched, Army and Assam Rifles commanders had been reluctant to begin the sorties unless Myanmar military extends tactical and manpower support on their side of the border.

However, with the Government of India finally able to extract a positive response from Myanmar a high level meeting attended by top Indian military officials approved that the development is conducive to begin the onslaught.

Regarding deployment of additional security forces, the source expressed that prevailing situation in Manipur including uncertainty engulfing the State over the issue of AFSPA and possibility of UG elements intervening in the forthcoming general elections are some of the chief ingredients considered appropriate for bringing in security forces in large number.

intelligence report that UG groups might attempt to swing fortunes of candidates of their choice during the polls coupled with BJP's demand for conducting the elections under the President's Rule to ensure free and fair franchise are added factors for multiplying number of security forces' strength, opined the source.

Another recent development emanating from the nainital conclave of Congress-ruled States' Chief Ministers wherein the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh attended had concluded with the PM's observation that most incidents of violence that had been rocking the North East region is reported from Manipur.

Such a comment from non other that the Prime Minister leaves no room to doubt that the Centre is keeping close tap on situation prevailing here in the State, assessed the source.

Substantiating the source's disclosures on a massive counter-insurgency operation round the corner, is the arrival of Joint Secretary of Union Ministry of Home Affairs Nabin Verma and Director RR Jha to Imphal yesterday.

Nabin Verma is also the North East in-charge of the Ministry.

The duo is informed to have attended a meeting of Strategic Operational Group under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh today which was also attended by authorities of security forces deployed in the State thereby indicating that process for the said operation had been set.

The said meeting is said to have focussed on present scenario, security measures for the forthcoming elections, expected strength of security forces for the poll and areas where presence of security force is considered necessary.

Amidst widespread speculations of whether the Somtal operation and similar offensive throughout the State would be launched simultaneously, the source said even though exact details could not be made public reports of Myanmar military assisting Indian forces is certain to cause high casualty rate.

While the Myanmar military would not get directly involved in the flush-out operation concrete assurance that the Junta would not allow existence of UG camps on its soil and check influx of fleeing militants when the operation begins is certain that a bloody conflict is inevitable, the source said.

It also observed that theory-oriented Indian Army and para-military forces need to change their tactics to supplement India's ambition for becoming a super power and the demography/terrain of Manipur is most conducive to not only exhibit Indian military's prowess but would serve the purpose of much needed practical rigours.

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