Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 18 2009:
A transit camp suspected to belong to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) was said to be burnt down by security forces during military operation carried out by security forces today.
This is the latest military offensive launched against militants after the 'Operation Summer Storm' in April this year in Loktak Lake area by the security forces.
According to report received here, the operation has been carried out by a combined force of 7th and 21st Assam Rifles, Imphal West and Bishnupur districts police commandos.
The AR personnel are said to have took base some three days back by advancing through Thoubal, Mayang Imphal and Sekmaijin sides while some of them entered from Moirang and Bishnupur sides.
Reports have also been received that the AR personnel moving from the Mayang Imphal side had forcibly used 5/6 rickshaw pullers as human shields while making their way.
The rickshaw pullers were said to have been taken till the periphery of Loktak Lake.
The rickshaw pullers were however released tonight, reports added.
The report further said, the operation was launched this evening around 3 by the AR personnel who have made base at the sites few days back.
Parts of Khordak area and Arong Nongmaikhong area were said to have been combed.
As a part of the operation, a transit camp suspected to belong to the banned KCP was destroyed and burnt down at a place in Laphupat Tera.
Cooking gas cylinder, utensils, clothing, and solar lamps were said to be recovered at the camp.
However, no official report on recovery of arms and ammunitions and casualties to militants nor civilian casualties due to bombing and firing of gunshots could be culled.
Meanwhile, there has been an unconfirmed report over the fleeing of villagers after hearing gunshots and bombing.