Security Forces Engage in Clash with Militants in Arunachal Pradesh

Clash in Longding District

Itanagar, June 6: A confrontation occurred between militants and security personnel in the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, which borders Myanmar, according to officials.

A spokesperson for the defense department reported late Thursday that following credible intelligence regarding the presence of members from an unidentified militant group in the Pongchau Circle area, security forces initiated a patrol to secure the border region earlier that day.

While navigating through dense forests, the security team noticed suspicious movements and called out to the individuals.

"In response, the security forces encountered heavy and indiscriminate gunfire from high-caliber weapons, which they effectively countered," the spokesperson stated.

During the fierce exchange of fire, the unidentified militants retreated across the International Border into Myanmar.

Despite a thorough search of the area by security forces, the militants managed to escape, utilizing the cover provided by the thick forest, the spokesperson noted.

In a related incident on May 14, ten militants were killed during an encounter with the Assam Rifles in Chandel district of southern Manipur, which also borders Myanmar.

The defense spokesperson detailed that the Assam Rifles patrol was heavily fired upon by suspected militants near New Samtal village along the Myanmar border.

Exhibiting remarkable composure and readiness, the troops responded with precision, leading to the neutralization of ten individuals dressed in camouflage, the spokesperson reported.

Initial evaluations indicate that those neutralized were involved in cross-border insurgent activities, and efforts are ongoing to verify their identities.

A comprehensive search operation in the area resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and materials from New Samtal village, located 130 km from the state capital and sparsely populated.

The recovered items included seven AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, an M4 rifle, and four single-barrel breech-loading rifles, along with ammunition and other military supplies.

The situation along the India-Myanmar border is under close observation, with the spokesperson emphasizing that security forces are maintaining a strong presence and collaborating with civil authorities and intelligence agencies to uphold peace and stability in the area.

Four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km)—share a total of 1,643 km of unfenced border with Myanmar.