Assam Rifles prevents escalation of violence in Manipur’s Kamjong district; BJP leader quits party citing public dissatisfaction

PTI, May 8, 2026, Imphal/Guwahati: Troops of the Assam Rifles responded proactively to heavy firing and explosions reported near Z Choro and Namlee along the India–Myanmar border in Manipur’s Kamjong district in the early hours of Thursday, moving into the affected area under challenging conditions to safeguard civilians.

During the operation, multiple rescue teams were deployed without delay. Ten houses affected by the violence were secured and civilians evacuated. Fifteen distressed villagers, including women and children, were rescued and provided humanitarian assistance at the Aloyo Assam Rifles camp. A Myanmarese woman from Namlee was also provided immediate first aid and medical evacuation support, an official statement said.

Thereafter, Assam Rifles conducted rapid area sanitisation operations to prevent further escalation and restore stability. An armed cadre was apprehended along with an AK-47 rifle, magazine and ammunition during search operations and later handed over to local police authorities.

Even as tensions remained high, Assam Rifles continued domination patrols across sensitive areas of Kamjong district to ensure peace and security for residents, officials said.

Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat said that in the early hours of Thursday, heavy firing and explosions were reported near Z Choro and opposite Namlee along the India–Myanmar border, adding that the incident highlighted the force’s commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining peace along the sensitive border.

Five Manipur districts — Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul — share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the incident, saying, “I strongly condemn the violence reported this morning in the border villages of Namlee, Z. Choro and Wanglee in Kamjong district.”

He said he was closely monitoring the situation and had directed security forces to take all necessary measures to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

“The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he added.

Police said armed militants suspected to belong to Kuki outfits attacked villages in Kamjong district near the India–Myanmar border on Thursday.

The militants targeted Tangkhul Naga villages of Namlee, Wanglee and Choro under the Kasom Khullen police station area, torching several houses and forcing residents to flee. Residents reportedly took shelter in nearby forests.

An elderly woman, identified as Khin Htwe Yei, sustained injuries while attempting to flee during the attack.

Security forces, including the Assam Rifles, reached the affected areas immediately and launched operations to bring the situation under control.