The Indian Army’s Red Shield Division completed a significant area sanitisation and de-mining operation along a vulnerable stretch of the India–Myanmar border in Manipur. Spanning from January 16 to February 17, 2026, the operation covered the area between border pillars 72 and 73 at Yangoubung, Manipur. This initiative aimed to support the resumption of border fencing work due to intelligence reports on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnances from former insurgent camps.
In a challenging environment of dense jungle terrain, the team successfully cleared and sanitised a 2.6 km × 13 m corridor. The operation led to the destruction of nine IEDs and two unexploded ordnance, eliminating a significant threat to civilian lives. Additionally, this effort facilitated Survey of India teams and construction agencies to advance critical border infrastructure projects.
Manipur, with a 398 km unfenced international border with Myanmar, remains a key focus area for security operations. Meanwhile, responding to intelligence on illicit narcotics cultivation, Assam Rifles, in collaboration with CRPF and Manipur Police, conducted an anti-narcotics operation in Sehjang areas of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. The joint operation involved area domination and systematic search, resulting in the discovery and destruction of illicit poppy cultivation across 22 acres. This eradication, capable of yielding about 160 kilograms of opium worth multiple crores, dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking networks in the region.
The operation also involved the demolition of three makeshift huts found near the cultivation area. Assam Rifles reiterated its commitment to combating narcotics and protecting the youth and society from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
