Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Nov 29: The Assam Rifles recovered five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during a routine patrol in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, preventing what officials said could have been a serious security incident.
According to a defence spokesperson, troops detected an unusual underground structure along the Pengpalep–Lokchao axis. A detailed search uncovered a specially constructed bunker containing the five live IEDs. A bomb disposal team immediately neutralised the explosives and sanitised the area.
The recovery comes amid heightened tensions along the India–Myanmar border. On Friday, Assam Rifles personnel engaged in a fierce encounter with militants in the border region. The patrol team reportedly came under sudden fire and retaliated with controlled, precise shooting to avoid civilian casualties. Additional forces have since been deployed, and operations remain underway.
Manipur’s 398 km unfenced border with Myanmar continues to pose security challenges, enabling the cross-border movement of militants, infiltration by inimical elements, and rampant smuggling of narcotics and contraband.
In a separate operation on Friday, Assam Rifles troops seized foreign-made liquor and cigarettes worth Rs 80 lac from two vehicles in Yangoubung, Tengnoupal district. Two individuals were apprehended, and the seized items were handed over to Moreh police. The operation underscores the force’s sustained crackdown on cross-border smuggling.
Meanwhile, Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently reviewed progress on the ongoing India–Myanmar border-fencing project. Senior officers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) briefed him on construction status, operational challenges, and concerns related to security and communication. Recommendations were presented to accelerate the project’s remaining phases.
The governor commended the progress made and assured full government support to resolve outstanding issues. The review meeting was attended by top officials, including Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, DGP Rajiv Singh, senior BRO and Assam Rifles officers, and Deputy Commissioners from several border districts.