IMPHAL, June 5: A massive operation is underway in areas of Chandel district in the aftermath of yesterday`™s massive militant ambush on aconvoy of the 6 Dogra Regiment during which 17 army personnel were killed and several others were injured .
The Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh Suhag also arrived in Imphal today to take stock of the situation.
It is learnt that the army chief accompanied by IGAR (S) also flew to Moltuk military camp, where he was thoroughly briefed of the incident by the high ranking officials of the Army and Assam Rifles.
Meanwhile, speaking to media persons on the sideline of the closing function of the Royal Riders organised World Environment Day at Ima Konthongnganbi today, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said a massive operation is underway in and around the ambush site near Paraolong Village in Chandel district to sanitise the ambush site.
He added however, the official details of the operation is not with him at the moment.
He said such violence will only act as a deterrent to the demand and steps taken up to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.
He said a peaceful atmosphere is required to repeal the Act, however, inspite of lifting the Act from the seven assembly segments of Imphal, there has been no respite from violence.
Gaikhangam said any kind of violence committed by any group, individual or organisation is highly condemnable and the government will not remain silent but will take strict action against them.
An FIR has been filed with the concerned police station and a spot enquiry has also been conducted by the Moreh SDPO and the OC, he said.
The State government will extend all possible assistance to the army and paramilitary forces and further discuss on the measures to be taken up with the Centre, he said.
He further appealed to all to bring peace and harmony for the betterment of Manipur.
Meanwhile, the body of the personnel who succumbed yesterday at the Leimakhong Military Hospital was brought to the JNIMS morgue today. Post mortem of all the dead bodies of the army personnel were conducted today.
The bodies will be flown to their home States on Saturday morning after a full State salute to be given at the Imphal airport.