SFs to sanitise Samtal before X-mas
Source: The Sangai Express

Joupi (Chandel), December 06: With the Operation Samtal launched by Assam Rifles and the Army to drive off insurgents from Samtal (Somtal) and surrounding area of Chandel district completed by almost 70 percent, the operation is likely to be over before Christmas.

By that time, the security forces will be able to drive off all UG elements from the area, said commander of 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigadier Raymond Noronha who is commanding Operation Samtal.

Security personnel at a bunker in Sehlon village previously occupied by UNLF cadres

Briefing media persons at Joupi AR post, Brig Raymond said that Operation Samtal launched since November 18 to secure Samtal-Sehlon ridge from the clutches of UG groups, particularly the UNLF has been completed by almost 70 percent till date.

Within 15 days, all UG elements will be driven off Somtal area which they have earlier claimed to be 'liberated zone', Brig Raymond assured.

Except for the difficulties posed by Improvised Explosive Devices planted by UG groups, the security forces encountered no major obstacles or any serious resistance in their march to wrest control of the area.

Other than six AR and Army personnel who sustained injuries while removing IEDs, there has been no other casualty, the Operation commander said.

The security personnel who sustained injuries are Havildar Bharat Patil, Havildar Susendran, Rifleman Md Iqbal, Rifleman Kaina, Rifleman Dharambir and Naik Mustak.

The latest IED casualty took place at Tuitung on the evening of December 4.In the ongoing Operation, four UNLF cadres have been slain.

While one was killed in a gun fight with 10 JAK LI troops at about 6.50 pm of November 30, three other cadres were slain in another encounter at Old Somtal on December 3, conveyed Brig Raymond.

The Operation Samtal jointly launched by 44 AR, 6 AR and 10 JAK LI has so far been successful in driving out UG elements from 9 villages, earlier occupied by the UG cadres, he claimed.

Except for the two brief encounters, there has been no direct confrontations between security forces and UG cadres.

The two sides have been only exchanging mortar firing which can go up to 5 kms from opposing positions separated by a considerable distance, disclosed Brig Raymond.

The Assam Rifles and Army never resorted to firing heavy shells at villages and civilian populated areas, he clarified while assuring that he will never indulge in such mindless firing.

The commander also assured that there will be no collateral damage because of Operation Samtal.

He also exuded confidence that the operation will be accomplished successfully.

The media team was also taken to several villages reportedly occupied by UG groups earlier and now won back by the Army.

The media team was also allowed to interact with the villagers of Hollenjang, Hengkot, Sehlon, Phoilen and Chaljang.

At the outskirts of Sehlon village, an erstwhile bunker of an UG group was seen occupied by troops of 44 AR.

Just about two weeks back, UG cadres were staying at Sehlon, Phoilen and Changjal villages.

About 20 UG cadres had been staying at Changjal village for the last many years, informed the villagers.

Even though, it is claimed that Army and Assam Rifles troops have advanced up to Old Somtal till date, the media team were not allowed to visit Tuitung from Changjal saying that it will be risky to travel further as the road ahead has not been cleared of IEDs.

Till a spot, about 4 kms from Tuitung, the metalled road which has been covered with tree branches, road side grasses and landslide debris due to non-utilisation was seen cleared off by using three bull dozers.

On December 5, the road was seen fit for heavy vehicles to move at ease.