Militant stronghold declared safe zone for civilians

Imphal, Oct 1 (UNI) The Samtal salient at Manipur's Chandel district, a militant stronghold, has been declared safe zone for civilians.

The 26 Sector Assam Rifles under IGAR(South) has been operating in Samtal Salient (Dingpi region) for over two years. The units under command 26 Sector AR--10 JAK LI, 44 Assam Rifles and 6 Assam Rifles-- have been pioneers in clearing erstwhile citadel of United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

The PRO of Assam Rifles said the units had not only cleared the area of militants but were also providing basic infrastructure to villagers to assist them to return to the mainstream.

The major achievement of units had been clearance of 456 IEDs from the Samtal salient. IEDs planted by ultras were impediment to normal movement, thus affecting development and economic growth. A number of locals had lost their limbs due to IEDs planted by the militants, the main sufferer being women working in the fields, the PRO said.

''Due to efforts of the security forces for making the area free of IEDs, in which many soldiers suffered permanent physical damage, the Samtal salient is now turning into 'safe zone for locals,'' he said.

Infrastructure development like construction of water supply schemes, installation of solar lights, construction of community halls and maintenance of road had boosted the morale of locals, the PRO said.

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