Manipur: Mob of 1200-1500 Led by Women Stops Army Op, 12 Militants Released After Standoff

An angry mob led by women prevented a military operation led by security forces in Imphal East in Manipur. Based on specific intelligence, the security forces launched a military operation on Saturday morning in the village of Etham (6 km east of Andrew) in Imphal East. The area was cordoned off before the search began to avoid any hardship for other locals in the area.

In the operation, 12 KYKL cadres were captured along with weapons and ammunition. Lieutenant Colonel Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam (mastermind of 6 DOGRA ambush cases in 2015) has been identified among the 12 cadres arrested.

After that, a group of approximately 1200-1500 people led by women and the local chief surrounded the target area and prevented the security forces from moving forward with the operation. Repeated appeals were made to the aggressive masses to allow the security forces to continue the operation, but to no avail.

Given the sensitivity of the situation, a decision was made to release all 12 arrested cadres. However, the security forces left the area with ammunition seized from the rebels after the cordon was lifted from the area.

The Indian Army has appealed to the people of Manipur to help the security forces in maintaining law and order for peace and stability.

Earlier on Friday, an armed group advanced from Imphal East district towards the hills and fired automatic weapons. The operation prompted the army to cordon off the area to stop the mob.

An area monitored by special poles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The situation is under control and is being closely monitored. Additional battalions have been written in the area and joint operations are underway.