Imphal: Security forces in Manipur are conducting search operations at Sugnu-Serou after an encounter broke out with insurgents on the intervening night of June 5-6.

“Inputs indicate casualties to insurgents. This is being verified on the ground. During preliminary search, two AK series rifles, one 51mm mortar, two carbines, ammunition, and warlike stores were recovered from the general area,” the Indian Army said.

Moreover, additional seven columns (5 of Assam Rifles and 2 of BSF) were re-deployed in the area to strengthen ongoing area domination operations, ambushes and measures to prevent arson, violence in past 48 hours.

“Operations to sanitise the area is in progress,” they added. Earlier, a jawan belonging to the Border Security Force (BSF) was killed, and two personnel of Assam Rifles sustained gunshot injuries during an encounter with a group of insurgents in Manipur’s Serou on the intervening night of June 5-6.

The injured Assam Rifles personnel were air-lifted to Mantriphukhri for medical attention. “One BSF Jawan sustained fatal injuries while two Assam Rifles personnel sustained gunshot wounds (GSW) in general area Serou,” the Spear Corps of the Indian Army said in a statement.

“Extensive area domination operations by Assam Rifles, BSF and Police undertaken in areas of Sugnu/Serou in Manipur. Intermittent firing between Security Forces and group of insurgents”>insurgents took place throughout night of June 5-6, Security Forces effectively retaliated to the fire,” they added.

Taking to Twitter, the BSF condoled the demise of its jawan. It wrote, “Director General & all ranks of BSF salute the supreme sacrifice of Ct/GD Ranjit Yadav, 163 Bn BSF on 06 June 2023 while deployed at Serou Practical High School, PS Sugnu, Distt Kakching, Manipur. Ct/GD Ranjit Yadav displayed conspicuous bravery, high degree of dedication & devotion to duty during the exchange of fire when suspected Kuki miscreants resorted to indiscriminate & heavy volume of firing towards BSF troops.”

Following the recent crisis in Manipur, the Indian Army along with Assam Rifles, CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) and police started its extensive area domination operations.

On Saturday, the Army, Assam Rifles, police and CAPFs commenced Area Domination Operations in the hills and valley area across Manipur. The operations have so far resulted in the recovery of 40 weapons (mostly automatic), mortars, ammunition and other warlike stores. They were conducted under the surveillance cover of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Quadcopters.