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| Sunday, 7 November 2004 |
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Indian troops capture rebel stronghold in Manipur GUWAHATI, India, Saturday (Reuters) Indian troops have captured an important rebel stronghold in the northeastern state of Manipur, close to the border with Myanmar, the army said on Saturday. Around 6,000 Indian troops have been deployed in a major military operation against rebel-controlled regions of Manipur this week, with the help of Myanmar which has closed its border to cut off escape routes. The army said it had re-established control over Sajik Tampak, a stretch of thick forested mountains where an estimated 2,000 rebels had set up their camps. "Sajik Tampak is no longer a 'liberated zone' because of the army presence, but the area is yet to be completely cleared of rebels," Major Santanu Dev Goswami, military spokesman in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, told Reuters. "Operations are going on every day to clear the remaining areas." Civil government officials have reopened offices in small towns and villages in the area, which had been out of bounds for several years. The area lies in Chandel district, just 80 km (50 miles) south of Imphal. The Indian army says it has attacked more than 100 rebel bases in Manipur since Monday, killing more than 20 rebels and capturing 34. Intelligence officials said many rebels remained trapped in the jungles and forests, while others had deserted because they were running out of food. Locals said the rebels were clearly feeling the pinch. "Since the attack in Sajik Tampak started there has been a quantum decrease in activities and movement of the underground cadres," said N. Ibungo Choubi, editor of the Manipur Mail newspaper. Myanmar's military ruler Senior General Than Shwe visited Delhi last month and promised to cooperate in the battle against the rebels. |
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