Assam Rifles rescue abducted woman in Manipur after cross-border militant attack

As a result of the concerted efforts by the Assam Rifles, the Tangkhul woman, Olina Ningshen was released on Saturday. She was abducted by the KNA(B) faction militants and Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ) from Namlee, Kamjong district of Manipur.

The release took place south of Z Choro village close to the incident area under the watch of Assam Rifles, Intelligence and other agencies.

A defence spokesperson said the husband of the woman, the village Headman and Civil society organisations (CSO)were also taken to Humine Thana, short of Phaikoh and close to the handover location, once their own forces had secured the release.


After release, the family and CSOs were taken to the unit HQs at Chassad for formal handing over and documentation. The family, village headman and CSOs thereafter moved to their village, Khangpat Khn. In the entire process, all details were coordinated at minute levels including the medical check-up and psychological assistance. Also, village headman and local villagers were appropriately trusted and addressed by the force.

In the early hours of May 7, there was unrest reported near Z Choro and opposite Namlee along the India-Myanmar border. The volatile situation was brought under control by the troopers of the Assam Rifles with immediate response despite challenging conditions.

The defence spokesperson said, “Acting proactively during the incident the Assam Rifles deployed multiple rescue teams. Ten houses affected by the violence were secured and civilians were evacuated to the nearest safe location. Fifteen distressed villagers, including women and children, were rescued and provided humanitarian assistance at the Aloyo Assam Rifles camp. A woman was provided with immediate first aid and medical evacuation support”.

Assam Rifles conducted prompt sanitisation operations concurrently to prevent any further escalation and to restore stability. One-armed cadre of KNA B, Lal Thag John, was also apprehended along with a weapon, magazine and ammunition during search operations from Churachandpur and later handed over to local police authorities.

The defence spokesperson added, “ Even as tensions and emotions remain high, the Assam Rifles continue to patrol across other sensitive areas of Kamjong to ensure peace and security for residents.”

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President O Ibobi Singh had questioned the response of security agencies following the recent violence in border villages of Kamjong district.

Armed aggression was launched against the indigenous people by militants on Thursday. A force of around 100-armed KNA-B militants crossed the international boundary from the Myanmar side.

Singh said the incident was a “very serious matter” and warned that continued instability could further deteriorate the law-and-order situation in the State.

State government has assured strong action. Manipur chief minister Y Khemchand Singh stated in X, " I strongly condemn the violence reported this morning in the border villages of Namlee, Z. Choro, and Wanglee in Kamjong district. Such acts are deeply concerning and unacceptable. I am closely monitoring the situation and have directed security forces to take all necessary measures to restore peace and prevent any further escalation".

The Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and strict action will be taken against those responsible."

Former Chief Minister Ibobi Singh said the violence had exposed serious concerns regarding security deployment and response mechanisms in the border areas. “The unfortunate incident that took place in the border villages near the Indo-Myanmar border is a very serious matter. The affected areas are located close to Assam Rifles posts, yet such an attack still occurred. Therefore, both the Government of India and the State Government must take responsibility and explain their response.”

Former chief minister N Biren Singh had stated in X, "The brazen attack on the border villages of Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro in Kamjong district, Manipur was an act of cross-border terrorism carried out by external forces from across the Indo-Myanmar border.Our indigenous communities continue to face this grave threat from a continued external aggression. Unless this issue is effectively tackled with firm resolve & strengthened border security, peace will continue to elude our state. Both Central and State forces must be deployed and kept fully prepared to safeguard our borders, protect innocent civilians, and maintain lasting peace and stability in the region. Our people must stand united to defend our land, identity, and future. We will not allow such forces to destabilize Manipur."