New Delhi, January 22: Claiming a series of success against militants who had taken control of Parbung and Thanlon in Churachandpur district during the last many years, GOC of 57 Mountain Division, Major General GG Dwivedi today said that the militants have been driven out from the two sub-divisions following the launching of Operation Dragnet.

Addressing media persons at Leimakhong Army headquarters today, the GOC claimed, "Almost all the militant camps in South Manipur have been destroyed and people in these areas can now look forward to a new era of peace and prosperity." The villagers who fled their homesteads owing to the threats and intimidations from UNLF cadres have started returning to their respective villages, said the GOC.

The Army began the operation in South Manipur towards the end of 2004 and since then four sub-divisions, Chakpikarong, Singhat, Henglep and Jiribam have been thoroughly sanitised, claimed the Major General.

In order to clear the remaining two sub-divisions, Parbung and Thanlon, operation Dragnet was launched by the 57 Mountain Division on January 20.On the operation, the GOC claimed, "Complete surprise was achieved by the troops as they approached the two sub-divisions and surrounding villages." The militants attempted to put up resistance at five different places and they also fired from their well entrenched positions with sophisticated weapons at Parbung, Taithu, Tolbung, Maullan and Dailan, informed the GOC.

In the series of encounters, nine militants have been confirmed killed, claimed the Army officer and added that another 8 were injured while scores were reported missing.

Five AK-47 rifles, a huge quantity of assorted ammunition including lethod bombs, over 60 kgs of explosives and 25 well prepared IEDs were also recovered, said the GOC.

Eleven IEDs that were laid by the militants around the villages were neutralised, the GOC said adding that the Army also suffered two fatal casualties including an officer in the operations.

Responding to a query, the Army officer said that the figure on the side of the Army is true.

"The Army never hides its casualties," he said and added, "You can go and check the military hospitals." On being questioned on the claim made by the militants that the Army suffered heavy casualties, the GOC said, "Don't compare us with the UGs." Responding to another query on the clearance of the two sub-divisions of militants, the GOC said "We have put our operating bases and the Army will remain in these areas." The GOC further said that the Army encountered only UNLF cadres and added for good effect that they are on the run.

The operation is still on at the adjoining areas of the two sub-divisions.

Highlighting another success of the Army, the GOC said the entire stretch of National Highway-150 from Churachandpur to Tipaimukh has been freed from militants.

The Army is also continuing with its efforts of sanitising the villages and numerous tracks from IEDs.

The people of Thanlon and Parbung gave a warm welcome to the Army and they provided valuable support during the operation, said Dwivedi.

The State administration has assured that the SDO offices in the two sub-divisions will begin functioning soon.

The people in these areas can now look forward to a new era which will usher in peace and prosperity.

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