Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh committed to investigating the alleged landmine blasts occurring along the Indo-Myanmar border in the Kamjong district. Singh assured that a thorough inquiry would be conducted and a detailed report would be forwarded to relevant ministries, including the External Affairs Ministry, to facilitate necessary actions.
The CM’s response came during the 6th session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, addressing a motion raised by Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing. Keishing highlighted frequent landmine incidents, particularly between border pillars 91 to 94 along the Indo-Myanmar boundary.
Keishing criticised the role of the Assam Rifles, who have been guarding the border for three decades, suggesting that border management duties should instead fall to civil administration, including customs and forest departments.
Many Recent Incidents Cited by Him
On May 1, two individuals traveling by motorcycle were injured by a landmine explosion near Namlee along the Namlee-Mansa (Myanmar) road.
A refugee in Aloyo, Kamjong district, was injured in a landmine blast at Z Choro village in the second week of May.
Additional incidents included injuries to two individuals near Wanglee on May 22 and a fatal landmine explosion at Wanglee Market on July 25, which also critically injured two others. Another minor reportedly died in a separate landmine explosion, according to the lawmaker.
Keishing claimed that these landmines are allegedly planted by Myanmar militants to instill fear among the local population residing near the border.
In response, CM Biren stated that due to the cross-border nature of the issue, he would deploy a joint team of Assam Rifles, state forces, and Criminal Investigation Department personnel to investigate. He pledged to personally advocate with the Ministry of External Affairs to highlight the gravity of the situation and urge prompt action to alleviate the fear among the villagers.
