Army ops at Indo-Myanmar border necessary in view of 'imminent threat': Defence Ministry

The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday said the operations carried out by the army at the Indo-Myanmar border were necessary in light of intelligence reports which warned of militants planning attacks on Indian soil.

"In the course of the last few days, credible and specific intelligence was received about further attacks that were being planned within our territory. These attacks were to be carried out by some of the groups involved in earlier attacks on our security personnel and their allies," a statement from the army, which was shared by Ministry of Defence principal spokesperson Sitanshu Kar, said.

"In view of the imminent threat, an immediate response was necessary. Based on intelligence, we conducted operations to counter these planned assaults. Early this morning, the Indian Army engaged two separate groups of insurgents, along the Indo-Myanmar border at two locations, along the Nagaland and Manipur borders. Significant casualties have been inflicted on them. As a consequence, threats to our civilian population and security forces were averted," it added.

The statement further appreciated the cooperation shared between the armies of India and Myanmar, assuring that any security threat to the nation will be met with a 'firm response'.

"We are in communication with the Myanmar authorities on this matter. There is a history of close cooperation between our two militaries. We look forward to working with them to combat such terrorism. While ensuring peace and tranquility along the border and in the border states, any threat to our security, safety and national integrity will meet a firm response," it said.

The action comes days after a militant ambush in Manipur, which led to the death of 18 army personnel and injured 11 others.

The ambush, which was one of the most deadly attacks in the region in recent years, occurred at around 8.30 am on June 4, when the army's convoy was travelling between Paralong and Charong villages.

The Central government later handed over the probe into the attacks to the National Investigation Agency.