Attack on Army in Manipur: Unexploded IED, misleading calm

“The bomb is still live. We arrived after the incident was over and have been here ever since. We are conducting searches. But the insurgents could very well have left for Myanmar. It’s difficult,’’ said a soldier from 6 Dogra Regiment.

Next to the IED lay an grenade that’s yet to be defused and the remains of yesterday’s battle — the skeletons of two completely charred trucks, and two empty burnt RPG shells.

Among the few on the road was Yangsei Zou, a 48-year-old Kuki tribal from Moltuk village nearby, who was returning home with a group of daily wagers from another village.

“I hadn’t heard of the incident. It’s most unusual since there is no militant movement at all in our village. This is the first time I have heard of such a thing happening,’’ he said.

Another visitor to the site was Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh who arrived in Imphal at 7 am and left for Delhi in the afternoon after inspecting the damage at the site.

Security officials, meanwhile, said forces had launched massive combing operations in the area to nab the attackers after three banned militant groups – KYKL, KCP and NSCN (K) – claimed responsibility for the ambush.

Chandel district has been rife with violence despite the 20-odd Kuki groups in the area having signed ceasefire agreements with the Centre.

But what’s interesting this time, sources said, is the joint operation claimed by these groups, particularly because NSCN (K) and KYKL are not known to be close to each other. Even the KCP, sources said, usually operates alone or with other valley groups.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Manipur G Gaikhangam said the state has registered an FIR based on the army report and is investigating the matter.

“We will extend full cooperation to the army and paramilitary forces which have been helping in maintaining the law and order situation in Manipur. A massive operation has been launched in Manipur and the state will assist the Centre in all necessary measures required,’’ said Gaikhangam.