Combing operation underway in Manipur to clear IEDs

pur), Dec 10 (ANISecurity forces are currently on a massive operation in Manipur to clear the area off Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by armed separatists.

Joupi (Manipur), Dec 10 : Security forces are currently on a massive operation in Manipur to clear the area off Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by armed separatists.

Six security personnel have been killed so far as the IEDs exploded during the combing operation.

Three outfits of the army are taking part in the exercise named as 'Operation Samtal'.

The operation has met with success as security forces have cleared 120 IEDs so far.

Army officials said the locals plead with them to clear the area off the IEDs.

"We have till now cleared more than 120 IEDs. There are many more laid IEDs that we have not cleared. The first thing that villagers are telling us is that clear the IEDs," said Raymond Noronha, Indian Army Brigadier.

The operation had to be abandoned after the onset of monsoons in the state and the security forces resumed the operation from November 18.

The operation has been swift and relentless and the area along the Phaisanganj in Khenjoi and area upto Tuitung in Sehlon ridgeline has been cleared.

Nine villages have been cleared so far in the ongoing operation.

The villagers thanked the army personnel for their valiant effort.

"We cannot say how many of the militant outfit cadres are here. But whenever they come to village they come in the group of 10-40 cadres. Militants don't allow us to move beyond Phailenkot, because they have planted bombs on the road. If we want to go to Sugnu, we are compelled to go to Burma and to Moreh first and from Moreh to Sugnu," said Zhangkhothang Mate, a resident.

ANI