Assam Police in a press statement said that on Wednesday, at approximately 4:30 PM, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of suspected militants, conducted a swift operation under Kachudharam Police Station. The operation led to the apprehension of three individuals near Ganganagar Part-VI, who were found in possession of sophisticated arms and ammunition while traveling towards Bhuban Hills in an autorickshaw.
The apprehended individuals as per Assam Police have been identified as: Lallungawi Hmar (21), son of Lalremsang Hmar, resident of K. Bethel Bhubankhal Dilkush Grant, P.O. Fulertrol, P.S. Lakhipur, Assam; Lalbikung Hmar (33), son of Lal Thavel Hmar, resident of K.Bethel Bhubankhal Dilkush Grant, P.O. Fulertrol, P.S. Lakhipur, Assam; Joshua (35), son of Tianghmingthang, resident of Senvonl Lailak, Tipaimukh Subdivision, Churachandpur, Manipur.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X on Wednesday stating, “In an early morning operation, Cachar Police killed 3 Hmar militants from Assam and neighbouring Manipur. Police also recovered 2 AK rifles, 1 other rifle, and 1 pistol.”
As per the Assam Police statement made available, during the search, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, one single-barrel rifle, and one pistol, along with live ammunition. These items were duly seized. Interrogation of the suspects revealed that their counterparts were still hiding in the Bhuban Hills area with a large cache of arms, planning subversive activities in the Assam-Manipur border regions.
Following this information, a special operation was launched, led by ASP HQ along with Police Station staff and AG commandos, targeting the Bhuban Hills area to apprehend the remaining militants, said Assam Police.
“We would continue to scour each inch of Assam to keep it safe. It’s after more than three decades that there has been no death of civilians or security personnel during 2023 and 2024 till date in militant violence. We wish to keep it that way,” said DGP Assam Police GP Singh on X.
Further, as the police team approached the challenging hilly terrain, they encountered sudden firing from the suspected militants hiding behind the steep hills. The police immediately took positions and retaliated, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. The apprehended militants, who were wearing bulletproof jackets and helmets, sustained severe injuries and were immediately taken to Sonai PHC for treatment. They were later referred to SMCH, Silchar, where the attending doctor declared them dead, added Assam Police.
During the encounter, approximately six to seven suspected militants managed to flee towards the dense forest, taking advantage of the darkness and uneven terrain. The firing incident site was thoroughly searched, resulting in the recovery of another AK assault rifle, live ammunition, and several empty cases, all of which were duly seized. The entire area has been cordoned off by security personnel, and a search operation is ongoing to locate the fleeing militants, Assam Police said.
Three police personnel were severely injured during the exchange of fire and have been admitted to SMCH, Silchar for treatment. The situation is under close watch, and further investigations are ongoing. Security forces have been deployed across the area to ensure the safety and security of the residents, Assam Police added.