Imphal, April 02: A dreaded militant was neutralized by security forces during an encounter in Manipur’s Jiribam district on March 31. The Assam Rifles Battalion of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles East received an input of the presence of armed insurgents engaged in extortion activities in the general area of village Chotobekra in Jiribam district.

“On 31 Mar 2023, Assam Rifles Battalion of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles East received an input of presence of armed insurgents engaged in extortion activities in General Area village Chotobekra of Jiribam district. On envisaging the threat of life to the locals by these insurgents, Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles East launched a team to apprehend the insurgents. On reaching the general area it was noticed that some armed insurgents were attempting to escape from the area towards Sailkulphai,” a press statement said.

“On being pursued by the troops of Assam Rifles, one of the insurgents opened fire. The team led by an officer challenged the insurgent to stop fire and surrender, however, the insurgent did not heed to the call. In retaliation to unprovoked fire, troops opened fire in self-defense, and one insurgent was eliminated,” a press statement further stated.

During the encounter, security forces recovered one 7.62mm AK rifle along with 26 rounds of ammunition. The quick action by Assam Rifles saved the innocent lives of locals that would have been endangered by the insurgents.