Indian Army Tightens Grip on Indo-Myanmar Border as DGMO Reviews Security in Manipur

Manipur, India – The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, undertook a crucial visit to Manipur on February 24 and 25, 2025, to evaluate the security situation along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) and review the progress of border infrastructure development. The visit comes at a time when the region continues to face cross-border threats, insurgent activity, and concerns over illegal arms proliferation.

During his visit, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai engaged in a series of high-level discussions with Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, State Security Advisor, Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur. These deliberations focused on the current security dynamics, operational preparedness of the Indian Army, and the overall stability of the state, particularly in vulnerable fringe areas.

The DGMO underscored the importance of a ‘whole-of-government approach’, advocating for coordinated efforts between the military, state administration, and central agencies to normalize the security situation and enhance border management along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB). His visit reaffirmed the synergy between military and civil authorities to bolster border security, combat insurgency, and improve law enforcement mechanisms in Manipur.

Crackdown on Illegal Arms: Over 135 Weapons Surrendered

In a significant development, security forces intensified their crackdown on illegal arms possession, resulting in the surrender of 135 weapons across various districts.

On February 25, a coordinated operation by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles (under Spear Corps), Manipur Police, and the state administration led to the recovery of 48 weapons from multiple districts, including Imphal West, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur.

The surrendered cache included:

1. 12 Carbine Machine Guns (CMG)
2. 8 SLR Rifles (7.62 mm)
3. 1 AK-47 Rifle
4. 1 INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG)
5. 6 .303 Rifles
6. 4 12-bore single-barrel Rifles
7. 6 improvised/country-made mortars
8. 1 Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) Gun
9. Various pistols, revolvers, and rocket ammunition

Meanwhile, a parallel public surrender drive, encouraged by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with coordinated awareness efforts by District Police, Assam Rifles, and CRPF, resulted in an additional 87 weapons being surrendered by civilians on Tuesday. These weapons were handed over in Churachandpur, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kangpokpi, Jiribam, and Imphal West districts, reflecting a growing public inclination towards restoring peace in the state.

Security Forces Conduct Search Operations in Insurgent-Hit Areas

In addition to the arms surrender, joint security forces launched extensive search operations in fringe and high-risk areas, particularly in the hill and valley districts, to eliminate threats posed by insurgent groups and armed miscreants.

In a major arms haul, forces recovered and destroyed a series of deadly explosives in the H. Monjang village under MRH police station in Tengnoupal District. The cache included:

1. One 84mm pompi (10 ft long) - possibly an improvised rocket launcher
2. One 51mm improvised mortar
3. Three pompi bombs (destroyed in situ)
4. Three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with detonators (total weight ~5.5 kg)

Strategic Significance of DGMO’s Visit

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai’s visit to Manipur underlines India’s growing focus on fortifying the Indo-Myanmar Border, an area plagued by cross-border insurgency, illegal arms smuggling, and drug trafficking. His engagements with state leadership signal a renewed push towards military-civil coordination in tackling security threats while ensuring developmental progress in border infrastructure.

His visit also comes amidst the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to implement the Free Movement Regime (FMR) restrictions along the Indo-Myanmar Border, aimed at curbing unchecked cross-border movement of insurgents and illegal trade activities.

Why Civil-Military Collaboration is the Need of The Hour

The ongoing weapons surrender drive, search operations, and security assessments highlight India’s stance against insurgency and armed militancy in Manipur. The DGMO’s emphasis on coordinated efforts among security forces, intelligence agencies, and state administration underscores a strategic shift towards long-term security stabilization in the region.

With border security initiatives, counter-insurgency operations, and public engagement on the rise, the recent developments in Manipur indicate a positive step toward restoring normalcy and ensuring long-term peace. However, the challenge remains in sustaining these efforts amidst persistent insurgent threats and complex geopolitical concerns along the Indo-Myanmar frontier.