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Army Clears 9 IEDs in Major De-mining Op on India-Myanmar Border in Manipur

The Indian Army's Spear Corps conducted a major de-mining and area sanitization operation along a vulnerable stretch of the India-Myanmar border in Manipur over one month. The operation, requested by government agencies, cleared a 2.6 km corridor and destroyed nine IEDs and two unexploded ordnances to allow the resumption of critical border fencing work. In a separate action, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and Manipur Police jointly destroyed 22 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district, preventing the production of an estimated 160 kg of opium. These operations aimed to enhance border security and cripple drug trafficking networks in the region.

Key Points: Army De-mining Operation on India-Myanmar Border in Manipur

  • Month-long border sanitization
  • 9 IEDs & 2 UXOs destroyed
  • Enabled border fencing work
  • 22 acres of poppy cultivation eradicated
2 min read

Army conducts month-long de-mining operation along India-Myanmar border in Manipur

Indian Army sanitizes border, destroys IEDs to resume fencing. Joint forces also destroy 22 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in Manipur.

"cleared and sanitised a corridor measuring 2.6 km × 13 m - Defence Spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat"

Imphal, Feb 18

The Indian Army carried out a major month-long area sanitisation and de-mining operation along a vulnerable stretch of the India-Myanmar border in Manipur, officials said on Wednesday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the Red Shield Division of the Indian Army's Spear Corps carried out a major area sanitisation and de-mining operation along the India-Myanmar border at Yangoubung, Manipur, between border pillars 72 and 73 from January 16 to February 17, 2026.

He said that the task was undertaken following a requisition from government agencies to facilitate the resumption of stalled border fencing work amid intelligence inputs regarding Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnances owing to the presence of erstwhile insurgent camps.

Operating in dense jungle terrain under challenging security conditions, the team cleared and sanitised a corridor measuring 2.6 km × 13 m. During the operation, nine IEDs and two unexploded ordnance were destroyed, thereby removing a serious threat to innocent lives.

The operation also enabled Survey of India teams and construction agencies to proceed with critical border infrastructure work.

Manipur has a 398 km unfenced international border with Myanmar.

On the other hand, acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding illicit narcotics cultivation, Assam Rifles launched a joint anti-narcotics operation along with CRPF and Manipur Police in Sehjang areas of Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Tuesday.

The operation involved area domination and systematic search of suspected cultivation sites. During the operation, the joint team detected illicit poppy cultivation spread over 22 acres, which was destroyed.

The destroyed cultivation had the potential to yield about 160 kilograms of opium, estimated to be worth multiple crores, thereby dealing a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the region, the defence spokesman said.

Additionally, three makeshift huts found in the vicinity of the cultivation area were demolished.

Assam Rifles remains steadfast in its commitment to curb the menace of narcotics and safeguard the youth and society from the adverse impact of drug abuse, an official statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is excellent news on two fronts - securing the border and destroying poppy cultivation. The drug trade destroys so many young lives in the Northeast. A strong step by Assam Rifles and police.
V
Vikram M
Finally some proactive action! The 398 km border with Myanmar has been too vulnerable for too long. Hope the fencing work resumes quickly now. Security and development must go hand in hand in the region.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Manipur, I know how complex the security situation is. Clearing 9 IEDs is a huge deal. My respect for the soldiers who do this dangerous work. The poppy destruction is equally crucial for long-term peace.
R
Rohit P
Good work, but I hope this isn't just a one-time operation. We need permanent solutions and better surveillance along the entire border. Also, what about rehab for those who were dependent on poppy cultivation? The government must provide alternative livelihoods.
A
Ananya R
This is a multi-pronged success. Securing borders, enabling infrastructure work, and hitting the narcotics network. It shows coordinated effort between Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and police. More of this please!

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