Security forces launch massive operations in Manipur hills, targeting militants

Security forces on Friday launched large scale counter-insurgency operations targeting hideouts of the militants in the interior areas of Manipur’s Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.
Troopers of Para Special Forces of the Indian Army were also reportedly involved in the coordinated operations launched by joint teams of Assam Rifles and Manipur police commandos, official sources here said.
Choppers were used in dropping the troopers in the forested areas targeting the hideouts of the militant groups, the source disclosed, without giving further details as the operations were in progress till late this afternoon. Reports said that the operations were launched in Henglep area in the interior Churachandpur district and forested areas in the outskirts of Kangpokpi district headquarters. Some sources said that the operations primarily targeted camps of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a non-signatory to tripartite suspension of operations agreement. Henglep sub-division of Churachandpur district and some parts of Kangpokpi district are known for the presence of the UKNA cadres and their camps.
Sources said in a bid to cover difficult terrains of the hills, troops were dropped using helicopters before troops on ground advanced to the targeted areas.
The operations started around 9 am was reportedly in progress till late in afternoon.